Mosque, Chapel and Dome of Ascension
Introduction
The Mosque of Ascension is situated at the Mount of Olives. It is also known as the Chapel of Ascension and this is the place, where according to tradition Jesus ascended to heaven 40 days after resurrection. The octagon shaped Dome, built in the center of an enclosed yard was built over earlier Byzantine and Crusaders period structures.
History
The first church on the hill was funded by Poemenia, a wealthy Roman woman who was a member of the imperial family, around AD 380.
Until then, the site Jesus’ traditional ascension into heaven had been traditionally associated with a cave on the Mount of Olives that was selected by Emperor Constantine as one of the three “mystic caves” where notable Christian mysteries occurred.
By 670 the original structure had been destroyed and rebuilt but the English pilgrim Arculf reported to his countrymen that the footprints were still to be seen in the dust of its floor.
In the 12th century, the Crusaders had constructed a newer building of their own to replace the Byzantine ruins. The Muslims took these changes even further by topping the once-open rooftop with a dome, and sealing off the archways that surround the courtyard with walls. The sacred stone with its footprint was moved from its central positioning to make way for a Muslim mihrab.
Adjoining the old building is a newer mosque, where Muslims honor the Ascension. Today, several Christian communities are permitted to celebrate Mass during the Feast of Ascension in the chapel courtyard each year. Latin Christians are permitted to celebrate within the building.
To the right of the entrance to the Dome of the Ascension is a small mosque built in 1620.
