Al-Haram Ash-Sharif
Jerusalem

The 14.4-hectare (35-acre) Haram Ash-Sharif or “Noble Sanctuary”, the third holiest site in Islam, encloses nearly one-sixth of the Old City of Jerusalem with fountains, gardens, mosques, buildings and other structures.

The Masjid Al-Aqsa (or farthest Mosque) is the site where, it is said, Prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven, and for the first 16 months of Islam was the Qibleh (the direction Moslems face during prayers) until God commanded that Mecca be the Qibleh.

Unquestionably the most impressive site in the busy city of Jerusalem, the Noble Sanctuary, with its peaceful gardens and impressive architecture is truly extraordinary. The entire site is considered a Mosque, and in the past all visitors were obliged to take off their shoes at the entrance to the Sanctuary, but now shoes must be taken off only at the entrances of the enclosed “Dome of the Rock” and “Al-Aqsa Mosque”.

No trip to Jerusalem would be complete without visiting Al-Haram Ash-Sharif.