Historic Mosques in Saudi Arabia: A Traveler’s Guide

Saudi Arabia is home to some of the most revered religious landmarks in the world, where centuries of faith, art, and architecture converge. For Muslim pilgrims, these sacred sites hold deep spiritual meaning, while for history enthusiasts, they offer a glimpse into the evolution of Islamic culture and heritage. From the world’s largest mosque to the first ever built, exploring the mosques in Saudi Arabia provides both a profound and enlightening journey through time.
Last updated: 21.10.2025

Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, is home to some of the world’s most significant and awe-inspiring mosques. These sacred sites stand not only as places of worship but also as monuments to faith, architecture, and history. From the vast marble courtyards of Mecca to the tranquil domes of Medina, each mosque tells a story of devotion, craftsmanship.

For Muslim travelers, visiting these mosques is a deeply spiritual experience, offering moments of reflection and connection to the Prophet Muhammad’s legacy. For non-This guide highlights the most important mosques in Saudi Arabia, offering insight into their history, design, and visiting etiquette for all who wish to appreciate the nation’s rich spiritual and cultural landscape.

Al-Masjid al-Haram – The Sacred Mosque in Mecca

At the heart of Mecca lies Al-Masjid al-Haram, Islam’s holiest and most visited mosque. Enclosing the Kaaba, it is the destination for millions of pilgrims who come for Hajj and Umrah each year. This vast complex, continuously expanded throughout history, reflects the devotion of generations of Muslim rulers who have enhanced its beauty and capacity. The mosque’s grandeur is unmatched, featuring gleaming marble courtyards, intricate calligraphy, and towering minarets that dominate Mecca’s skyline. Non-Muslims, however, should note that entry into Mecca and the mosque itself is restricted to Muslims only.
The surrounding city offers a remarkable view of the mosque’s illuminated structure at night, visible from nearby hotels and elevated points. Pilgrims often describe the experience of seeing the Kaaba for the first time as deeply emotional and transformative. With ongoing developments, Mecca continues to blend sacred tradition with modern comfort, welcoming worshippers from across the globe.
How to get to: Travellers can reach Mecca easily from Jeddah by taking the Haramain High-Speed Train, which covers the 90-kilometre journey in under 40 minutes, or by car via Route 40.

356,000 m²

Total area of Al-Masjid al-Haram
2.5 million

The maximum number of worshippers
40,000

Workers help maintain, clean the mosque

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi – The Prophet’s Mosque in Medina

Quba Mosque – The First Mosque in Islam

Located in Medina, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi stands as one of the most important Saudi Arabia mosques and a symbol of the Prophet Muhammad’s legacy. Originally built by the Prophet himself in the 7th century, the mosque has been expanded multiple times and now features striking green domes, graceful colonnades, and intricate Ottoman and modern designs. The Prophet’s tomb lies beneath the Green Dome, making this site the second holiest in Islam after Mecca’s sacred mosque. The interior exudes a serene atmosphere where worshippers gather for prayer and reflection. Non-Muslims are not permitted inside Medina’s central mosque area, but visitors can explore the surrounding city, its Islamic museums, and nearby historic sites that share insights into the early Islamic community.
How to get to: Visitors can travel from Mecca to Medina, reaching the city in just two hours.

The Quba Mosque, also in Medina, holds the distinction of being the first mosque ever built in Islamic history. The Prophet Muhammad laid its foundation upon his migration from Mecca to Medina, and it remains a cherished symbol of purity and faith. According to Islamic tradition, performing two rak‘ahs (units of prayer) here is equivalent to performing an Umrah. Architecturally, Quba Mosque combines simplicity with elegance. Its pristine white domes and clean geometric lines embody humility and devotion. Unlike Al-Masjid al-Haram or Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Quba has a more intimate atmosphere, allowing worshippers a tranquil space for reflection. It’s open daily to Muslim visitors, and the area surrounding it features markets and cafes, ideal for a relaxed cultural visit.
How to get to: The mosque lies only 3 km south of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, accessible by local taxi or bus.

Jawatha Mosque – The Ancient Mosque of Al-Ahsa

Located in the Eastern Province near Hofuf, Jawatha Mosque is among the oldest surviving mosques in Saudi Arabia, built by the Bani Abd al-Qays tribe during the early Islamic era. It is believed to be the site where the second congregational Friday prayer in Islam was held after the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. Restoration work has preserved its authenticity, making it a fascinating stop for those exploring the Al-Ahsa Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Non-Muslim visitors can enjoy the area’s historical context through museum exhibits and heritage trails nearby.
How to get to: Travellers can take the Riyadh to Hofuf train or Dammam to Hofuf train. From Hofuf Station, it’s just a 20-minute taxi ride to the mosque.

Jawatha Mosque, located in Al-Ahsa, is believed to be where the second Friday congregational prayer in Islam was held, right after the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. Despite being over 1,400 years old, parts of its original mud-brick structure still stand today, making it one of the oldest surviving mosques in the world.

Al-Rahma Mosque – The Floating Mosque of Jeddah

Blending spirituality with stunning coastal beauty, the Al-Rahma Mosque in Jeddah is affectionately known as the “Floating Mosque.” Built on stilts above the Red Sea, it appears to float during high tide. This modern marvel features turquoise domes, white marble facades, and interiors adorned with intricate Islamic patterns. Unlike the mosques in Mecca or Medina, the Floating Mosque

welcomes visitors of all backgrounds during non-prayer hours offering an opportunity for cultural learning and quiet contemplation.
How to get to: Located along the Jeddah Corniche, the mosque is just a 20-minute drive from King Abdulaziz International Airport. Travellers can also arrive by train from nearby cities using the Medina to Jeddah route.

The Al-Rahma Mosque in Jeddah, often called the Floating Mosque, is built on stilts above the Red Sea, giving the illusion that it floats during high tide. Completed in 1985, it features a stunning 52-metre-high minaret and is illuminated at night, creating one of the most photographed views along Jeddah’s Corniche.

Exploring the historic mosques in Saudi Arabia is not only a journey through sacred spaces but also a walk through history itself. Whether you’re admiring the grandeur of Mecca, the tranquility of Medina, or the coastal charm of Jeddah, each mosque reveals a piece of the nation’s soul. For Muslim pilgrims, these sites are pillars of faith; for history and architecture lovers, they are masterpieces of devotion carved in stone.