25. Dome of the Rock

What is the Dome of the Rock?

It's a glimmering, shimmering building built in the 7th century that covers a slab of rock that is sacred to Muslims and Jews. Muslims believe that the Prophet Mohammed made his Night Journey to heaven from here. Jews believe it was here that Abraham prepared to sacrified Isaac.

What's the Dome of the Rock like?

It's a stunning building, both up close and from afar (you can get a great view from the Mount of Olives), with a fascinating history.

Where is the Dome of the Rock?

Jerusalem

When did we go?

June 2018

How did we get there?

I joined a week-long Biblical Lands tour group, which also covered Beit She'an (removed from the 2020 edition), the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (294) and the Sea of Galilee (also removed from the 2020 edition). It also included the Dead Sea although I didn't go there. I highly recommend the whole trip - it was fantastic.

Worth noting

You must dress carefully - they're very, very strict on shoulders and legs being covered.

What was Dome of the Rock's position in the 2015 edition of the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travelist?

86. It moved up 61 places.

Does it deserve its place in the Lonely Planet Top 500?

Yes, absolutely yes.

294. Church of the Holy Sepulchre

What is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre? 

It's a church located on the site where Jesus was both crucified (once known as Calvary or Golgotha) and buried. The church contains the final four stations of the cross. It has been a site of disputed ownership ever since a church was first built here by Constantine the Great, starting in 325.

What's the Church of the Holy Sepulchre like?

It's mind-blowing to think that you're on the spot where such historic events happened - you can put your hand into the hole where the cross was believed to have stood and then queue up to spend a few moments in front of the tomb.

Where is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre?

Jerusalem, Israel

When did we go?

June 2018

How did we get there?

I joined a week-long Biblical Lands tour group, which also covered the Dome of the Rock (86), Beit She'an (removed from the 2020 edition) and the Sea of Galilee (also removed from 2020 edition). It also included the Dead Sea although I didn't go there. I highly recommend the whole trip - it was fantastic.

Worth noting

I recommend visiting the other stations of the cross around Jerusalem (the route is known as Via Dolorosa) but dress modestly when you're heading into the church - they're very strict.

Where was the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the 2015 edition of the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?

256

Does the Church of the Holy Sepulchre deserve its place in the 2020 Lonely Planet Top 500?

Absolutely yes.

 

Beit She'an

What is it: The ancient ruins of Beit She'an are some of the most impressive in the world, and certainly the Middle East. In Roman times it was known as Scythopolis and you can still see the three-tiered theatre for dramatic performances that could hold 7,000 people, an amphitheatre for gladiatorial contests capable of holding 6,000 people, the remains of streets and colonnades, and a huge bath and gym complex.
What's it like: It's amazing. It takes some imagination to picture it complete and full of people but even as ruins it's a hugely impressive site.
Where: Beit She'an, srael
When: June 2018
How: I joined a week-long Biblical Lands tour group, which also covered the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (256), the Dome of the Rock (86), and the Sea of Galilee (also removed from the 2020 list). It also included the Dead Sea although I didn't go there. I highly recommend the whole trip - it was fantastic.
Worth noting: Our guide took us to the theatre and demonstrated the excellent acoustics by playing us Susan Boyle's Britain's Got Talent audition.
Place in the 2015 edition: 328

Did it deserve to lose its place in the top 500: No - it's a remarkable place.

Sea of Galilee

What is it: The Sea of Galilee is a lake in north-eastern Israel. It is famous for being the site of many of the miracles performed by Jesus: the walking on water, calming of the storm, the huge catch of fish, and the feeding of the five thousand.

What's it like: It's a big tourist destination for both locals and visitors - you can go cycling, sailing, walking and many other activities.

Where: Israel

When: June 2018
How: I was with a tour group and a boat trip on the Sea of Galilee was included. As part of the week-long tour I also visited Beit She'an, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock. The Dead Sea was on offer although I didn't go there. I highly, highly recommend the whole trip - it was brilliant.

Worth noting: Make sure you have the local lunch of St Peter's Fish while you're there - see below.

Place in the 2015 edition: 443

Did it deserve to lose its place in the 2020 top 500: No, and I'm very sad about it.