It is often difficult to see why historically there has been so much conflict between Christians, Muslims, and Jews. There is much similarity in the beliefs, yet so much division. Temple Mount has much history and is a very beautiful place to visit. Being non Muslim, I was denied entry to some areas and in particular to the mosque. Although I did get an escorted walk though part of the Muslim area.

We went to the holy site of the Temple Mount early at 7:30 am and we were able to avoid the crowd that build up at 9:00 am. The Temple Mount visit was such a soul fulfilling experience for the whole family. The holy site is peaceful and the Israel security are courteous.

We almost skipped this site. Our friends have had trouble getting in. Some mornings it is closed with no explanation. We dressed conservatively, showed up around 8:30 am after the first wave of people were in, and had no long line and no hassle. No one searched our bags or asked questions. It was our favourite place in Jerusalem. It is a really large place, so despite its popularity, it didn't feel crowded. Lovely views of the city all round. A photographer's dream. We exited through the cotton gate which leads to the old cotton market and into the warren of streets in the old city. Don't miss it.

It took a bit of working out how to make our way through the warren of streets that make up old Jerusalem; but oh stepping onto the Temple Mount made it so worthwhile! It is a tranquil space of so much significance to so many. We entered via a series of ramps from the Western wall. These ramps pass over the western wall and also provide a good vantage for seeing others at prayer without disturbing them. Yes we had to pass through security but that didn't take too long. The Temple Mount is beautiful and well cared for. We spent about an hour and a half wandering around, soaking up the atmosphere and taking photos. Truly a beautiful and iconic site.

Must visit in old city of Jerusalem. It is believed to be the location of where the Second Jewish Temple stood ( therefore holy for the Jews) and also site of two Islamic structures-the Dome of the Mount and Al Aqsa mosque. Non-Moslem visitors are allowed into the Temple Mount area but allowed in the Islamic structures. This holy site for both Jews and Moslems. Moslems believe that Mohammad ascended to heaven from here and therefore it’s regarded as the third most holy site after Mecca and Medina

We watch Temple Mount from a hilltop in Jerusalem. It is a piece of 37 acres land. Jews, Muslims and Christians fought over this revered site for centuries. Beneath it are soils that Adam was created from the dust. A rock slab where Abraham nearly sacrificed his son, Issac to God. Solomon built the First Temple here. Inside was the altar with the Ark of the Covenant. The Babylonians destroyed it. A second temple was rebuilt by Zerubbabel in 516 BCE. The Romans destroyed it in 70 CE. Muslims captured Jerusalem during the Byzantine era. They built mosques on the Temple Mount where Mohamad was said to ascend to heaven. Conflicts and restrictions to Christian pilgrims instigated Pope Urban ll. The Crusaders captured Jerusalem and massacred the Muslims and Jews in 1099 CE. Israelites recaptured it during the Six-Day War in 1967. Temple Mount is administered under the Waqf today. Non-Muslims are prohibited inside. Jews pray outside at the remnants of the Second Temple. They are contemplating to build a Third Temple on the sacred site. It remains contentious with conflicts and skirmishes between the Jews and Muslims. Christians foresee the second arrival of Jesus Christ here. We descended the hill top with bewilderment of humans fighting over a small piece of land for God. In contrast, God created a Universe and gave it to human.

It left me completely breathless to see it in person. Photographs will never do it justice. While it's a Muslim site, and I am Jewish, nonetheless it was architecturally one of the most compelling sites for me to visit in Jerusalem -- and I went absolutely everywhere. Besides which, the entire grounds are sacred. So I went very early in the morning and encountered no line. I didn't realize how large the grounds were and poked through every nook and cranny, found actually very friendly groundskeepers and guards throughout, and absolutely had my breath taken away by this jewel box. There are few places in the world that are so stunning, aesthetically. Of course I didn't and couldn't go inside, but the exterior is amazing, as are the entire grounds, which slide into beautiful olive trees towards the back. In fact, if you keep walking through these, you wind up near the Via Dolorosa and also by Lion's Gate, which are very pleasant places to explore with many sites for Christians, Jews, and people who just like historical sites in general like me. If you are a living and breathing human with eyeballs, don't miss Al-Aqsa Mosque and Temple Mount in Jerusalem. There are a handful of places that are this beautiful in the world. I can count them on two hands only.

The Temple Mount adjoins the Old City of Jerusalem. It is sacred to Muslims, Jews and Christians. The Temple Mount is a plateau. The Al Aksa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam. The Dome of the Rock is quite fascinating, it is said that Mohamad rode his magic horse Barak to heaven, where he conversed with the Prophets. You can see Barak's hoof print. Orthodox Jews often pray on the Temple Mount, which is the site of the ancient Temple. By the way, if you want to enter the Temple Mount, it's best to make arrangements in advance.