DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Rachel's Tomb

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°4
Rachel's Tomb (Palestinian Territories)

Weather…

Rachel's Tomb, located at the northern gateway to Bethlehem, stands as one of the most significant and historically charged holy sites in the Holy Land. Sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims, it is traditionally identified as the burial place of the biblical matriarch Rachel, the wife of Jacob, who died here during childbirth. The iconic domed structure seen today dates largely back to the Ottoman period, with significant renovations made in the 19th century. For centuries, the tomb has been a primary destination for female pilgrims, who revere Rachel as a symbol of motherhood and intercession, often visiting to pray for fertility and the health of their children. While modern security barriers and high walls now enclose the site due to its sensitive location, its religious magnetism remains undiminished. Positioned on the ancient road connecting Jerusalem to Bethlehem, the sanctuary serves as a poignant reminder of the shared, yet complex, spiritual heritage that defines this part of the world.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C101215182225272725221712
Rain mm5942271540102123148

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
Rachel's Tomb at the northern entrance of Bethlehem is a significant holy site open to pilgrims and tourists. Access is via a secured checkpoint.
🕒
Typical hours
Opening hours are typically daily from about 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. On Fridays and Jewish holidays, access may end earlier.
📷
Photography
Photography is not allowed inside the prayer room, but is permitted in the outdoor area. Please respect the privacy of those praying.
⏱️
Time needed
A visit usually takes about 20-30 minutes, including waiting at security. The site is small but has a strong spiritual atmosphere.
➕
Combine with
Combine the visit with other sites in Bethlehem such as the Church of the Nativity and the Milk Grotto. The nearby Solomon's Pools are also worth a trip.
🧭
Getting there
The tomb is located right on Highway 60 north of Bethlehem, easily reached by public buses or taxis. Limited parking is available for private vehicles.
💡
Insider tip
Bring an ID as identity checks often occur at the checkpoint. Avoid visiting on Jewish holidays, as long waiting times can be expected.

Geography

Coordinates
31.71440, 35.20110

Facts

  • Mentioned in Genesis 35:19 as the burial place of Rachel
  • The site has been enclosed by the Israeli West Bank barrier since 2002
  • Sir Moses Montefiore funded the addition of an anteroom in 1841
  • The site is also referred to as the Bilal bin Rabah Mosque
  • Historically, the tomb was marked by a dome supported by four pillars
  • It is situated approximately 460 meters south of the Jerusalem city line

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Banksy Walled Off HotelBanksy Walled Off Hotel<1 km · SEExplore →
Church of the NativityChurch of the Nativity1 km · NWExplore →
Jebel Abu GhneimJebel Abu Ghneim2 km · NEExplore →
Mount GiloMount Gilo2 km · SExplore →
Shepherd's Field ChapelShepherd's Field Chapel3 km · NExplore →
Solomon's Pools Nature AreaSolomon's Pools Nature Area4 km · SWExplore →
Jerusalem Biblical ZooJerusalem Biblical Zoo4 km · SEExplore →
Wadi al-MakhrourWadi al-Makhrour5 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Rachel's Tomb (4)

Bethlehem Historical Museum🏛 museum

The Bethlehem Historical Museum showcases traditional Palestinian culture through an extensive collection of embroidered dresses and ancient artifacts.

Al-me'madaneya Church📍 landmark

The Al-me'madaneya Church is a Christian place of worship that serves the local Palestinian congregation in Bethlehem.

Al A`zzah Mousqe📍 landmark

The Al A'zzah Mosque provides a communal prayer hall for the Muslim residents near the historic sites of Bethlehem.

Latin Patriachate📍 landmark

The Latin Patriarchate complex in Bethlehem is a key administrative and religious center for the Roman Catholic community in the Holy Land.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Rachel's Tomb?
It is at the northern entrance of Bethlehem.
Is access easy for tourists?
No, the site is heavily secured and restricted.
What is the religious significance?
It is the resting place of the biblical matriarch Rachel.
Do I need a guide?
A guide is unusual here due to the location.
Can I visit the tomb?
It is an active religious site with strict rules.
Rachel's Tomb: where is it located?
Rachel's Tomb is located in Palestinian Territories.
Rachel's Tomb: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bethlehem Historical Museum, Al-me'madaneya Church, Al A`zzah Mousqe.
Rachel's Tomb: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Rachel's Tomb: why is it worth visiting?
Rachel's Tomb, located at the northern gateway to Bethlehem, stands as one of the most significant and historically charged holy sites in the Holy Land.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Palestinian Territories →

Nearby cities

East Jerusalem — Rachel's Tomb (Palestinian Territories)
East Jerusalem
East Jerusalem includes the Old City and major religious sites such as the Dome of the Rock.
Hebron Old City — Rachel's Tomb (Palestinian Territories)
Hebron Old City
Hebron's Old City is characterized by narrow alleys and Mamluk architecture.
Hebron — Rachel's Tomb (Palestinian Territories)
Hebron
Hebron is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, famous for the Cave of the Patriarchs.
Ramallah — Rachel's Tomb (Palestinian Territories)
Ramallah
Ramallah is the political and economic administrative center of the West Bank.
Yatta — Rachel's Tomb (Palestinian Territories)
Yatta
Yatta is in the southern Hebron Governorate and is a hub for livestock and agriculture.
Al-Bireh — Rachel's Tomb (Palestinian Territories)
Al-Bireh
Al-Bireh is adjacent to Ramallah, forming a continuous urban area.
Surif — Rachel's Tomb (Palestinian Territories)
Surif
Surif is located in the northwestern Hebron Governorate near the Green Line.
Al-Ram — Rachel's Tomb (Palestinian Territories)
Al-Ram
Al-Ram is located north of Jerusalem and is a busy commercial and residential area.
Halhul — Rachel's Tomb (Palestinian Territories)
Halhul
Halhul is located north of Hebron on one of the highest points in the West Bank.
Dura — Rachel's Tomb (Palestinian Territories)
Dura
Dura is located in the Hebron Governorate and is a key regional center.
Bani Na&#39;im — Rachel's Tomb (Palestinian Territories)
Bani Na'im
Bani Na'im is located east of Hebron and is known as the 'City of Martyrs'.
Jericho — Rachel's Tomb (Palestinian Territories)
Jericho
Jericho is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, located deep below sea level.
As-Samu — Rachel's Tomb (Palestinian Territories)
As-Samu
As-Samu is the southernmost town in the Hebron Governorate.
Idhna — Rachel's Tomb (Palestinian Territories)
Idhna
Idhna is located west of Hebron near the Green Line.
Sa&#39;ir — Rachel's Tomb (Palestinian Territories)
Sa'ir
Sa'ir is located northeast of Hebron in a deep valley.

History & landmarks

Old City of Hebron — Rachel's Tomb (Palestinian Territories)
Old City of Hebron
The Old City of Hebron is a labyrinth of narrow streets and Mamluk architecture centered around the Ibrahimi Mosque.
Old City of Ramallah — Rachel's Tomb (Palestinian Territories)
Old City of Ramallah
The historical center of Ramallah preserves many Ottoman-era stone houses and serves as a vibrant cultural hub.