Masjid Al-Aqsa
Mosque Third-holiest site in Islam, large compound in Jerusalem
Masjid Al-Aqsa sits within the Old City compound known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif. Pilgrims and visitors come for its religious significance, historic architecture and proximity to Jerusalem’s ancient quarters.
Masjid Al-Aqsa is the congregational mosque complex located on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem and is regarded as the third-holiest site in Islam. The wider platform includes multiple religious structures and open courtyards.
The compound contains the Dome of the Rock, a landmark Umayyad shrine completed in 691 CE, together with the Al-Aqsa mosque building at the platform’s southern end and numerous courtyards, minarets and ancillary prayer spaces. The site is a focal point for worship, pilgrimage and tours when access is permitted.
Inside the Al-Aqsa building visitors see a large hypostyle prayer hall with arches and historic finishes that reflect multiple periods of construction and restoration. The surrounding courtyards and colonnades provide different vantage points for observing the architecture and the city skyline.
The platform and its principal structures date to the early Islamic period, with major Umayyad, Abbasid, Crusader, Ayyubid, Mamluk and Ottoman repairs and reconstructions over more than a millennium. The existing fabric of the mosque and nearby monuments reflects that long sequence of restorations and additions.
Located on the southeastern hill of the Old City of Jerusalem, the compound sits above the western esplanade and is surrounded by the city’s Muslim, Christian and Jewish quarters; approaches are via the Old City gates and adjacent streets.
- Access restrictions: Access and visiting hours are subject to religious and civil authorities and may vary by nationality, security conditions and religious holidays; non-Muslim entry to the compound is limited to specific times.
What to See #
- Dome of the Rock: A gold-domed octagonal shrine completed in 691 CE that stands on the central platform of the Haram al-Sharif and commemorates the Islamic tradition of Muhammad's Night Journey; it is one of the earliest surviving Islamic monuments.
- Al-Aqsa (Qibli) Mosque: The congregational mosque often referred to as the Qibli or Al-Aqsa building occupies the southern end of the Haram al-Sharif platform and has been rebuilt and repaired several times since the early Islamic period.
- Marwani Prayer Hall (Solomon's Stables): A large vaulted subterranean hall on the eastern side of the compound historically known as Solomon's Stables and used in modern times as an extended prayer hall and service area for the compound.
How to Get to Masjid Al-Aqsa #
Al-Aqsa Mosque is on the Haram al-Sharif / Temple Mount inside Jerusalem’s Old City. The site is reached on foot from Old City gates (notably Damascus Gate or Lion’s Gate); the walk from Damascus Gate across the Old City is roughly 10-15 minutes. It is also accessible by local buses and taxis to the Old City area, followed by a short walk to the compound entrances.
Tips for Visiting Masjid Al-Aqsa #
- If you're a non‑Muslim visitor, aim for the permitted visiting hours (typically morning) and enter the Temple Mount/Al‑Haram al‑Sharif area via the Mughrabi/Western Wall approach used for tourist access; check current entry rules beforehand because hours and access change frequently.
- Avoid Fridays and major Muslim holidays for tourist visits since worship takes precedence and access for non‑worshipping visitors is often restricted; always respect the site's rules (modest dress, no prayer by non‑Muslims) and the security checkpoints.
Best Time to Visit Masjid Al-Aqsa #
Spring and autumn are generally the most comfortable times to visit, with milder weather and manageable crowds.
Weather & Climate near Masjid Al-Aqsa #
Masjid Al-Aqsa's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 29°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (105 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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