Architectural Wonders
Saudi Arabia is home to two of the holiest cities—Makkah and Medinam—that hold the heart of the Muslim faith. However, travelers embarking on a pilgrimage route in the country can broaden their travels to include more of the world’s most stunning mosques in cities throughout the country.
Makkah and parts of Medina are accessible only to Muslims but many of the mosques in the kingdom are open and welcome visitors of all faiths. These beautiful architectural wonders tell a story of the roots of religion within Saudi Arabia while also showcasing its history and architectural wonders.
Al Rahma Mosque in Jeddah (the Floating Mosque)
Al Rahma Mosque is one of these architectural wonders. The mosque is most well-known by its nickname, the Floating Mosque as it juts out into the Red Sea perched atop a stack of white concrete stilts.
The mosque is open daily, 24 hours and is open to non-Muslims outside of prayer times. Prayer times to visit are at sunrise and sunset.
Grand Mosque, Riyadh
The KAFD Grand Mosque is a modern masterpiece, constructed in 2017. It is considered one of the architectural centerpieces of the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Jawatha Mosque in Al Ahsa
The Jawatha Mosque in Al Ahsa may look humble but it amazingness lies in its age. This mosque was born in the early days of Islam and was constructed nearly 1,400 years ago. It is believed to be the oldest mosque in the eastern Arabian Peninsula.
This mosque is open to non-Muslims outside of prayer times.
Al Rajhi Grand Mosque in Riyadh
Al Rajhi Grand Mosque is Riyadh’s largest mosque and one of the city’s most important Islamic institutions. It has room for more than 23,000 people and houses two libraries and an educational center.
Non-Muslims are not permitted inside, however, it’s worth visiting to admire the impressive exterior architecture, especially at night when it glows a radiant orange.
Al Rajhi Mosque in Hail
This mosque is also more modern. Completed in 2010, it is the city of Hail’s most striking structure punctuated by four 80-meter-high, pencil-thin minarets.
Masjid Al Haram in Makkah
This mosque is also known as the Great Mosque of Mecca and is the site of pilgrimage in the Hajj. It is the largest mosque in the world and can accommodate up to 1 million people. However, only Muslims are allowed to enter Mecca.
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, also known last the Prophet’s Mosque in English, was constructed by the Prophet Mohammad in 622 AD in Medina. It is the resting place of the Prophet Muhammad and is considered the second holiest mosque in Islam and the world.
It is accessible only to Muslims.
