Rachel's Tomb, Sacred tomb in Bethlehem Governorate, Palestine.
Description
Rachel's Tomb is a building in Bethlehem, Palestine, consisting of a square chamber with 23-foot (7 m) sides. The roughly 20-foot (6 m) walls support a 10-foot (3 m) dome that crowns the interior.
History
The site marks where Rachel died during childbirth and was buried on the way to Ephrath. Sir Moses Montefiore renovated the tomb in 1841, adding an antechamber with a prayer niche.
Culture
Jewish communities gather here regularly for prayer, while Muslims and Christians also revere the tomb as a holy site. The religious importance spans all Abrahamic traditions, making it a meeting point for different faiths.
Practical
Security measures and current regulations affect access to the site, so visitors should verify entry conditions before traveling. The political situation in the region can change opening times and access options on short notice.
Did you know?
The antechamber contains a mihrab, an Islamic prayer niche originally created for Muslim worshippers. This architectural feature shows an attempt to accommodate different religious practices in one place.
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