TOMBS OF THE PATRIARCHS AND MATRIARCHS

This is is a sacred site to all Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

It is a burial site of three prophets and their wives – three biblical couples: Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebeckah, Jacob and Leah. Abraham bought this property with the Cave of Machpelah – Cave of the Double Tombs about 2.000 BC as the burial place for his wife Sarah and himself.

It is also called the Sanctuary of Abraham or Ibrahimi Mosque by Muslims. The Tombs of the Patriarchs in Hebron is the 2nd holiest site in Judaism, after the Western Wall. It is also a sacred site for Christians. To Muslims who refer Abraham to be a prophet of God, the Cave of Machpelah is the fourth holiest site in the World.

This over 2000-year-old complex with the tombs of the prophets looks like a walled fortress. Herod the Great built the complex with open roof to the sky. The complex is divided into 3 sections. Each section holds the cenotaphs of a prophet and a wife. Actual graves are in the caves beneath the cenotaphs.

The complex today is divided into two sides: a Muslim side with a mosque and a Jewish side with a synagogue. The mosque holds the cenotaphs of Abraham and Sarah, and Isaac and Rebekah. The synagogue holds the cenotaphs of Jacob and Leah, although all cenotaphs can be seen from each side through small openings.