Saudi Arabia is home to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. But the pilgrimage route across the country doesn’t have to stop there. Travelers can venture into other sacred – and less crowded – places to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of mosques or pray in peace and visit other sites of historical significance. Mecca and parts of Medina are only accessible to Muslims. However, mosques and other historical sites featuring unique architecture can be visited throughout the country and can offer a first-hand glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s intriguing religious roots.

Jawatha Mosque in Al-Ahsa

Information for visitors: The mosque is open to non-Muslims outside of prayer times.

The old Jawatha Mosque was built in the early days of Islam. It was built nearly 1,400 years ago. It is believed to be the oldest mosque in eastern Arabia. The mosque was founded by the Banu Abd al-Qays tribe. and the first Friday prayers outside of Medina were held there. With simple, sand-colored mud walls. Jawatha Mosque is surrounded by squat towers topped with rounded slits and appears at first glance to resemble a fortress. perhaps a smaller version of the Masmak Fortress in Riyadh. The mosque was recently restored. taking great care to match the materials used in the original construction. Inside the thick wooden doors visitors will find a hall divided by walls punctuated by a series of narrow, white arches under a thatched and wooden roof. The Jawatha Mosque is located on the northeastern outskirts of Hofuf in the village of Al Kalabiya.

Al Rajhi Mosquein Riyadh

Al-Rahji Mosque is the largest mosque in Riyadh. and one of the most important Islamic institutions in the capital. The mosque is used as a place of worship, with a capacity of 18,000 worshippers in the men’s hall and 2,500 in the women’s area, as well as a venue for social events. It houses two libraries and an education center, and Friday prayers are translated into seven languages and shown on digital screens for people with hearing loss.

Information for visitors: Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque. But it’s worth standing in front of it to admire its stunning exterior architecture. which glows bright orange when lit up at night.

Al Rajhi Mosque in Hahttps://egazat-sa.com/st_location/saudi-arabia/hail/ئل

The Al-Rajhi Mosque on the outskirts of Hail is an eye-catching structure. Opened in 2010, this mosque It features four slender minarets that are 80 meters high. Atop a cascade of 50 crimson-red domes. A serene cream-colored interior contains one of the largest chandeliers in the world. Inside. the mosque can accommodate 4,000 worshippers and an additional 3,000 people in the tranquil courtyard outside.

Information for visitors: Friday prayers are translated into several languages.

Al-Rahma Mosque in Jeddah (known as the Floating Mosque)

Uniquely named the FloatingMosque, the Rahma Mosque stands atop a number of white concrete piles in the Red Sea and is the first mosque in the world to be built over water. As a gateway to Mecca and Medina, Muslims often begin their pilgrimage journeys from Jeddah making the floating mosque a common stop before making the Hajj or Umrah. The mosque is constructed of gleaming white marble, and inside, a giant turquoise dome is adorned with 56 colorful windows surrounded by Quranic verses written in Diwani, Raqa’a, and Naskh Arabic script. The mihrab, decorated with intricate tiles and arabesque design, is flanked by two tall stained-glass windows. Although the architecture is traditional, the Floating Mosque is not stuck in the past: The sound and light system is state-of-the-art. Samir Qamsani, a Saudi tour guide who was born in Jeddah and still lives there, says: “It’s a combination of Islamic and modern architecture. “I love being there because I feel peaceful, safe and secure, and I feel the love of God. It’s a place where people come together from different cultures and countries. It’s a place where I can clear my mind.” The Rahma Mosque can accommodate 2,100 worshippers, with a separate upper wooden chapel for women.

Information for visitors: The mosque is open daily around the clock. Non-Muslims are welcome outside of prayer times. The best times to visit are at sunrise and sunset.