Tomb of Rachel

March 22nd 2011

Discover the restored tomb of the Biblical matriarch, Rachel, wife of Jacob, mother of Joseph and Benjamin. According to the Bible, Rachel was buried on the Bethlehem road located at the entrance of Bethlehem in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Gilo. Sir Montefiore received permission from the Turkish Sultan, and refurbished and expanded the tomb to the familiar structure of the dome.

Many travelers and pilgrims have visited the structure ever since the beginning of the Byzantine Period (324-638 C.E.), making it one of the most popular tombs in Israel. Many Jews come to visit the tomb, especially on the anniversary of Rachel’s death, on the 11th of Cheshvan.