At the heart of Jerusalem is the Noble Sanctuary, Al-Haram ash-Sharif, enclosing over 35 acres of fountains, gardens, buildings and domes.  At its southernmost end is Al-Aqsa Mosque and at its center is the celebrated Dome of the Rock.  The entire area is regarded as a mosque and comprises nearly one sixth of the walled city of Jerusalem.  It is the third most important site in Islam after Makkah and Madinah and a showcase for Islamic architecture and design from Umayyad to Ottoman times that continues as an important religious and educational center for Muslims to the present day.