Cave of the Patriarchs
Hebron
The Cave of the Patriarchs, also known as the Cave of Machpelah to Jews and the Ibrahimi Mosque to Muslims, is a revered religious site located in the Old City of Hebron in the West Bank. According to Abrahamic traditions, it is the burial place purchased by Abraham for his family, making it sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The site comprises a series of caves beneath a large rectangular enclosure dating back to the Herodian period. Over centuries, it has undergone various transformations: a Byzantine Christian basilica once stood here, later converted into a mosque after the Muslim conquest. During the Crusader period, control shifted, but the mosque was restored by Sultan Saladin in the 12th century. Following the Six-Day War in 1967, the site was divided to accommodate both Jewish and Muslim worshippers, reflecting its complex religious significance. Architecturally and historically, the site embodies layers of religious and cultural heritage, making it unique as a shared sacred space. The name "Machpelah" possibly refers to the cave's dual chambers or symbolizes the double renown of those buried within. Today, it remains a focal point of pilgrimage and religious devotion, attracting visitors worldwide.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit outside of major religious holidays to avoid crowds. Advance arrangements or permits may be required due to the site's sensitive and shared religious status. Modest dress is advised for respect. Special services occur on Jewish New Year and Day of Atonement, when access rules differ. Tickets or entry permissions may be limited, so checking with local authorities or tour operators beforehand is recommended.
Interesting facts
- •The site is sacred to all three Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
- •It contains the tombs of the biblical patriarchs and matriarchs: Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Leah.
- •The large enclosure above the caves dates from the Herodian era, contemporary with the Second Temple period in Jerusalem.
- •The mosque was converted from a Byzantine basilica after the Muslim conquest in the 7th century.
- •In 1119 CE, bones believed to be those of the patriarchs were discovered inside the cave by a Christian monk.
- •Following the 1967 war, the site was divided between a synagogue and a mosque, a unique arrangement reflecting religious coexistence and conflict.
History
The Cave of the Patriarchs has origins tracing back to biblical times as the burial site purchased by Abraham.
The Herodian enclosure was constructed in the 1st century BCE, marking the site's architectural significance.
During Byzantine rule, a Christian basilica was built atop the caves, later converted into a mosque following the Muslim conquest in the 7th century CE.
The Crusaders controlled the site in the 12th century but it was retaken by Saladin in 1188 and restored as a mosque.
After the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel occupied the West Bank and divided the mosque to allow Jewish worship alongside Muslim prayers, reflecting the site's complex religious and political history.
Place Guide
Herodian Enclosure1st century BCE
A large rectangular structure built during the Herodian period that covers the caves, featuring ancient stonework and religious significance.
Cave of Machpelah
The underground caves traditionally believed to be the burial place of the patriarchs and matriarchs of the Abrahamic religions.
Ibrahimi Mosque7th century CE
The mosque built above the caves, originally a Byzantine basilica converted after the Muslim conquest, serving as a place of Muslim worship.
Contact
Phone: 0599 777 879