Such a spiritually thrilling experience to step upon the venerated grounds of Temple Mount where our Lord Jesus once walked. Sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims alike, no other location in the World can compare to its Holy significance. The hours of visitation for non-Muslims though are somewhat restricted. Unable to access Temple Mount on my first visit to Jerusalem due to a riot, I was exceptionally excited when I finally walked the grounds upon my return pilgrimage. While Jerusalem boasts numerous historically religious and architectural sites, Temple Mount for me remains the pinnacle. My adult son and I were eagerly awaiting the early morning opening to Temple Mount, which provided us with a more profound experience, without all of the tour groups congesting this highly revered area. The Dome of the Rock, with its lovely, colorful, exterior mosaics and gleaming, golden dome is unfortunately now accessible only to Muslims. We had a wonderful opportunity to walk its perimeter and absorb the beauty of the surrounding structures, archways, expansive plaza and views across the Kidron Valley to the Mount of Olives and Jewish Cemetery. Areas of Temple Mount are also restricted to non-Muslims, where on several occasions we were instructed to proceed no further. View the "Golden Gate" ("Beautiful Gate" in the Bible), which was sealed by the Muslims in ancient times, and is located within the Eastern Wall. It is now open from the Temple Mount side for Muslim worship. Walk the olive grove between the Dome of the Rock and the Eastern Wall for a deeply moving, spiritual experience. Be quiet and respectful and dress appropriately.

Located in the Old City’s Muslim Quarter, the ground here is holy and has special significance to three of the world’s major religions. The Temple Mount is the holiest site in Judaism, where the Holy of Holies stood, and which is believed to still manifest the divine presence of God. According to Jewish tradition, it was the site of the destroyed First and Second Jewish Temples, and where the Third and final Temple will be built. Muslims view the Temple Mount as the third holiest site in Islam, after Mecca and Medina. They call it Al Harim Al Sharif, the Noble Sanctuary. It was from here, now protected by the Dome of the Rock, that Islamic tradition says Prophet Muhammad ascended to Heaven during his Night Journey. For Christians, the New Testament describes the significant role of the Temple in Jesus’ life. Due to time constraints, our group didn’t visit. I wish we had! Make sure you allot plenty of time on your itinerary and be prepared for queues and security checks.

Home to the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsa mosque, which makes it a must-see! The mount is controlled by Muslims and hours of visit can vary, especially on Fridays. Definitely check with your hotel or other sources before you go. It is best to come 30 mins before it opens as there's usually a line to enter the mount. The line starts near the Western Wall. Some women are given shawls to cover up, but enforcement seems spotty. As the crowd is controlled via entry, the mount is generally not too overcrowded and it is quite peaceful up there.