For the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, this guide explores the changes that it has undergone through the ages in response to adversity and changing requirements. Specifically, the guide examines the how the present Church’s architectural layout relates to the three earlier edifices that occupied this site: the enormous 4th century Constantinian Church (built 336-345); the rebuilt, modest 11th century crusader Church; and the expanded 12th century crusader Church. We offer floorplans of each iteration, a review of the most meaningful changes implemented with each, and when relevant, the historical background underlying such changes. The guide even points out those features from earlier Churches that are still visible, so you can get a clear sense as you visit of what the Church was like at earlier points in its history. Atop the Haram Es-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary) or Temple Mount, the Dome of the Rock is one of the most emblematic structures in the world. This guide provides a full review of this Islamic shrine, including its history, architecture, decoration, and political significance. Particular attention is paid to those elements borrowed from the Byzantine architectural and decorational tradition that were repurposed to forge an entirely new, Islamic aesthetic. Finally, given the Temple Mount’s importance to Jerusalem’s religious landscape, this Approach Guide concludes with a brief discussion of its pre-Islamic history — including overviews of the Jewish Temples and the Western Wall — and profiles of its other relevant Islamic structures. PUBLISHER’S NOTE: One of the benefits of eBooks is that we can easily update content and release new editions of our guidebooks. These updates are FREE for existing customers. Please visit for a list of recently updated guides and instructions on downloading the new version to your device. |
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