Cave of the Patriarchs
Cave of the Patriarchs
4.5
4:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
4:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
4:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
4:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
4:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
4:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
4:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Sunday
4:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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4.5
118 reviews
Excellent
79
Very good
24
Average
11
Poor
1
Terrible
3
Dyron D
Malibu, CA5 contributions
July 2022 • Family
Excellent and holy place to visit. It is safe. Strong security is there. Muslims and Jews are separated there, by different entrances, so quarreling does not exist there. You might get asked your religion, but that is normal in Palestinian tourist sites. Arabs enter one area while non Palestinians (including non Arab tourists, including most Westerners) enter on the Jewish side.
Written 15 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ronnie P
Monterey, Tennessee55 contributions
Jan 2020
In all the world, there is no place I love and celebrate my Creator more than in Hebron at the graves of Adam & Eve, Abraham & Sarah, Jacob & Leah, and Isaac & Rebecca at the Cave of the Patriarchs.
Throughout the ages and in the Bible it is known and highly praised for the sacred place it is!
Also nearby is the Tomb/Graves of Jesse the father of King David and Ruth.
I will return here over and over again!
Throughout the ages and in the Bible it is known and highly praised for the sacred place it is!
Also nearby is the Tomb/Graves of Jesse the father of King David and Ruth.
I will return here over and over again!
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KarenEph320
Pismo Beach, CA247 contributions
July 2015 • Friends
I lived in Hebron for over 5 years and would often take my friends to the Cave of the Patriarchs known as the Ibrahim Mosque by Muslims and Macpaleh for the Jews. It is a very holy site for both groups and both think it should all be theirs. We fondly call it a "mosqugogue" as it is literally shared by both groups with just one wall between them. This in itself makes it very interesting and you can actually see into the other's space only in the window that looks into Abraham's tomb stone. The Muslim side is a working mosque and the Jewish side a synagogue. The synagogue is always bustling with men studying the scriptures or if you time it just right a prayer meeting (Jews pray before sundown and this is a really good time to be at the Cave).
On the Jewish side near Sarah's tombstone is the story how Macpaleh was discovered which is interesting. Don't be shy to walk around the synagogue but be respectful as this is an orthodox synagogue where the men and women keep separate. Just walk on your side of the "curtain" and it will be fine.
On the Muslim side you must go through security (you have to as well on the Jewish side) and you will be asked your faith and if you have any sharp objects. At the top of the stairs they will ask the women in your group to put on a hood unless they are dressed with long skirts, long sleeves and a head scarf covering not just their head but also any exposed chest. Once inside you will take off your shoes. The tombstone for Rebecca and Isaac are inside the mosque and Sarah and Abraham are along the share "wall". Be sure you peak down the ornate hole in the ground to see the lit candles in the cave below where the patriarchs are buried. The side room next to Abraham's tombstone is where you can see the window for the Jewish side and if you are lucky an orthodox man praying there.
You might have to wait to get into the Muslim side if you come during prayer time.
This site is shared by both groups and for 10 days each year (during the feasts) the Jews will get the whole place and for another 10 days during Ramadan the Muslims.
Use the bathroom outside the Jewish side near the pizza place as it is the only clean one in the area.
For a REALLY educational tour of the situation walk down the large abandoned street from the cave towards the Jewish settlement. It is a wide street that is full of closed stores and posters describing the situation from a Jewish perspective. At the end of the street which is about a 20 min walk is a walk-thru checkpoint. Go through it into the bustling city of Hebron which is your first right turn. Buy fresh fruit from carts or just about anything (this is where shopkeepers in Jerusalem get their merchandise so prices should be the lowest in the land, if not, barter!). Take the first right again and walk straight through all the commerce, ignore the pesky boys trying to sell you stuff. Take note of the soldier outposts as you get closer to the Cave. Look to your right and you will see the backside of the Jewish settlement, look up and you will see the settlement above (often the open air market is covered with wire mesh). At the end of the street is security to get back to the Cave.
There is no need to worry for your safety as there are Israeli soldiers close-by and the Arabs appreciate the tourists. Although I strongly recommend you DO NOT go through the Hebron market at dusk or later as it gets deserted and the local boys get obnoxious. If you come in by taxi through the Palestinian territories, you will do this part of the tour first.
You could use a tour guide but he/she will be biased one way or another. I like to not say much and let my friends come to their own conclusions.
On the Jewish side near Sarah's tombstone is the story how Macpaleh was discovered which is interesting. Don't be shy to walk around the synagogue but be respectful as this is an orthodox synagogue where the men and women keep separate. Just walk on your side of the "curtain" and it will be fine.
On the Muslim side you must go through security (you have to as well on the Jewish side) and you will be asked your faith and if you have any sharp objects. At the top of the stairs they will ask the women in your group to put on a hood unless they are dressed with long skirts, long sleeves and a head scarf covering not just their head but also any exposed chest. Once inside you will take off your shoes. The tombstone for Rebecca and Isaac are inside the mosque and Sarah and Abraham are along the share "wall". Be sure you peak down the ornate hole in the ground to see the lit candles in the cave below where the patriarchs are buried. The side room next to Abraham's tombstone is where you can see the window for the Jewish side and if you are lucky an orthodox man praying there.
You might have to wait to get into the Muslim side if you come during prayer time.
This site is shared by both groups and for 10 days each year (during the feasts) the Jews will get the whole place and for another 10 days during Ramadan the Muslims.
Use the bathroom outside the Jewish side near the pizza place as it is the only clean one in the area.
For a REALLY educational tour of the situation walk down the large abandoned street from the cave towards the Jewish settlement. It is a wide street that is full of closed stores and posters describing the situation from a Jewish perspective. At the end of the street which is about a 20 min walk is a walk-thru checkpoint. Go through it into the bustling city of Hebron which is your first right turn. Buy fresh fruit from carts or just about anything (this is where shopkeepers in Jerusalem get their merchandise so prices should be the lowest in the land, if not, barter!). Take the first right again and walk straight through all the commerce, ignore the pesky boys trying to sell you stuff. Take note of the soldier outposts as you get closer to the Cave. Look to your right and you will see the backside of the Jewish settlement, look up and you will see the settlement above (often the open air market is covered with wire mesh). At the end of the street is security to get back to the Cave.
There is no need to worry for your safety as there are Israeli soldiers close-by and the Arabs appreciate the tourists. Although I strongly recommend you DO NOT go through the Hebron market at dusk or later as it gets deserted and the local boys get obnoxious. If you come in by taxi through the Palestinian territories, you will do this part of the tour first.
You could use a tour guide but he/she will be biased one way or another. I like to not say much and let my friends come to their own conclusions.
Written 1 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pinkpeacemaker
sonoma county, ca94 contributions
Nov 2015 • Friends
As these Patriarchs are honored in both Jewish and Muslim histories, one views from two sides--rather an interesting concept that they need to be separated. Nearby shopping too. There is political upheaval in Hebron (November 2015) , so check to make sure it is a good time to travel there.
Written 29 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YMuchoMas
Boston, MA100 contributions
May 2015 • Friends
The Tomb of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs in Hebron is well worth visiting. Particularly revered by Jews and Muslims, this is the spot where key figures of the Bible and Quran (Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Leah) are believed to be buried. It's been a site of pilgrimage since ancient times, with the first structure around the tombs dating from the time of Herid the Great.
Be sure you're wearing clothes that cover the legs, and women will also need to cover arms and hair (they have funny hooded robes available to borrow if you come improperly clad, though).
Sadly, the surrounding area of Hebron is essentially a dead zone now with virtually no commercial activity and few people aside from children selling cheap bracelets or begging and many police. That's the politics. The most sacred places in the middle East are the biggest magnets for extremists on all sides and the result is too often, as here, a demilitarized zone with the economy destroyed and few regular people around.
To visit the tombs, you must past through a couple of checkpoints, and through metal detectors and scrutiny of guards who seemed not especially interested the day we were there. Jews are only allowed in one section, Muslims only in a different section. Christians, adherents of other faiths and nonbelievers are the most fortunate, as they can pick which side to visit or even see both. Our group felt welcome and safe within the site.
If you have time for only one, I would suggest the Muslim side, as then you have access to all 6 tombs. Because two tombs are in the center of the mosque part of the structure, they aren't accessible from the Jewish entrance.
Insude it is a quiet and respectful place and quite amazing to contemplate all the history and the lives of figures so important to the three monotheistic religions. And depressing that mutual respect and admiration for these mutual ancestors in religion has somehow resulted in such division, enmity and violence.
Be sure you're wearing clothes that cover the legs, and women will also need to cover arms and hair (they have funny hooded robes available to borrow if you come improperly clad, though).
Sadly, the surrounding area of Hebron is essentially a dead zone now with virtually no commercial activity and few people aside from children selling cheap bracelets or begging and many police. That's the politics. The most sacred places in the middle East are the biggest magnets for extremists on all sides and the result is too often, as here, a demilitarized zone with the economy destroyed and few regular people around.
To visit the tombs, you must past through a couple of checkpoints, and through metal detectors and scrutiny of guards who seemed not especially interested the day we were there. Jews are only allowed in one section, Muslims only in a different section. Christians, adherents of other faiths and nonbelievers are the most fortunate, as they can pick which side to visit or even see both. Our group felt welcome and safe within the site.
If you have time for only one, I would suggest the Muslim side, as then you have access to all 6 tombs. Because two tombs are in the center of the mosque part of the structure, they aren't accessible from the Jewish entrance.
Insude it is a quiet and respectful place and quite amazing to contemplate all the history and the lives of figures so important to the three monotheistic religions. And depressing that mutual respect and admiration for these mutual ancestors in religion has somehow resulted in such division, enmity and violence.
Written 4 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marleen H
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands11 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
We visited these locations as a private daytour from the YMCA hotel. It was very special and impressive. In Hebron as a Christian you can visit both sides and see all the tombs of the Patriarchs. At Herodion you have a wonderfull view from the top and a well-kept tunnel which was made during the revolt of Bar Kochba. After a good lunch in Bayt Sahur it was a beautiful road to the desert monastery of Saint Saba. If you are interested in thuis exclusive tour, we recommend you to contact Jiries Asmar (Jerry) +972 52 238 1055, jerryasmar@gmail.com
Written 2 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lsgoldblatt
London, UK806 contributions
Jan 2020
So much history in one place. I had been before many years ago but each time it hits me anew how amazing this place is. We learn so much about it and to see it in real is amazing
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonnie K
Jerusalem, Israel328 contributions
Oct 2019
This site is an intergral part of he Jewish heritage, where Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their wives, Sarah, Rebecca and Leah are buried, and is a must see. The overall view of the cave site as you walk up the stairs is inspiring. Once inside the "cave" there are separate rooms marking off the burial locations of the Jewish forefathers. There are prayer servies taking place all the time. There are specific prayers designated to this location that appears in prayer books and on placards along the wall. It is a most inspiring and holy experience.
Written 12 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jake23
New Jersey6,839 contributions
June 2018 • Couples
The tomb is very interesting. When in Hebron you get to experience first hand how tense the situation is between the IDF and Palestinians. The same can be said of this mosque/temple. It is controlled by both Israelis and Palestinians, which each having a walled off section.
Written 30 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noam M
5 contributions
Sept 2017 • Solo
This place is the tomb of Abraham, Sara, Itzhack, Rivka, Jacob and Lea, the biblical characters. It is amazing to see an ancient burial sight of the most meaningful people on earth, the fathers and mothers of the Judaism.
No doubt this site is a must!!!
No doubt this site is a must!!!
Written 7 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ramaka
Jerusalem, Israel
You are leaving out very important information. The reason the IDF as you say has to "harass" Arabs is because of the violent, terrorist attacks perpetrated by this group of people. Not a week goes by that someone, and not always a Jewish person, is attached by these people. Unfortunately, one or two bad apples spoil it for the whole barrel. If the Arabs would seek peaceful means to address their concerns, there would not be a need for the IDF to guard this Jewish holy site.
Written 21 August 2016
How can I go there from Jerusalem? I'm planning to go in August. Can we go by public transport? How much is it if we hire a taxi?
Written 12 July 2015
Thanks a lot for asking, yes sure you can take a bus from central bus station in Jerusalem, on the 3rd floor, platform number 6 is the direct bus to The Cave of the Patriarchs.
Written 12 July 2015
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