The Dome of the Rock on the Haram esh-Shariff (Temple Mount) was built in the 7th century by the Umayyads to protect and venerate the Holy Rock. This is a site associated with historic events, temples, prophets and prophecies of the three monotheistic faiths, over millennia – each in their turn and often contested. It also continues to be a political, cultural and religious symbol of Jerusalem resonating far and beyond. All these have contributed to the Dome of the Rock’s continuous cultural and physical existence, for over thirteen centuries, as a functioning, long-lasting building. The study of this exemplary building is based on the layers of transformation, including site, space and structure. It provides insights into the functional and visual transitions as well as into the climatic design. These could be relevant for future-proofing and sustainable conservation of this building, as well as for other, long-lasting buildings beyond.