5 Gorgeous Mosques in Saudi That You Must Visit for their Architecture

Saudi is home to some of the most gorgeous mosques in the world. Architectural masterpieces, these mosques will enchant you, to say the least. These are historic marvels that offer you a peek into Saudi’s regal past and invite you in to explore the rich culture of the country and its people.

5 Stunning Saudi mosques

Influenced by a variety of architectural styles, the following five mosques are the most gorgeous works of art that you must visit when holidaying in Saudi:

1. The Floating Mosque in Jeddah

The next architectural work of art on this list of the five most gorgeous mosques in Saudi is the Floating Mosque. Originally called Al Rahma, the Floating Mosque, unlike any other mosque in the world, is built over the waters of the Red Sea.

Built with some of the most shimmering white marbles, the Floating Mosque is a spectacle during sunset. The enormous cupola or dome is the showstopper, with a total of more than fifty multi-coloured windows letting the light in and turning the mosque into a kaleidoscope of colours. As you must have already figured, the Floating Mosque of Jeddah is the perfect amalgamation of ancient and modern architecture. For those planning to visit the Floating Mosque, be sure you stay back for the light and sound show and enjoy this brilliant architecture in all its glory.

2. Jawatha Mosque in Al Ahsa

When planning to visit the five most gorgeous mosques in Saudi, the first one you need to cross off your list is the Jawatha Mosque in Al Ahsa. While one of the biggest reasons travellers flock to Al Ahsa is to experience the desert oasis, the other major crowd-puller is the Jawatha Mosque. Created nearly 14 centuries ago, this mosque is considered by many as the most ancient mosque of this peninsula.

The Jawatha Mosque in Al Ahsa has luxurious honey-coloured walls that are encircled by short and wide towers. The squat towers and their tops mimicking the rook chess piece lend the mosque the appearance of a citadel. The caramel-hued doors are sturdy and invite hundreds of visitors each day. The unique design of the mosque makes it an architecture buff’s dream, and so you must not miss it during your trip to Saudi this season.

3. Anbariya Mosque in Medinah

Designed by the Ottoman Turks, the Anbariya Mosque is a fine example of the influence of the Ottoman architectural style on the dwellers of Saudi. With a stunning entrance and a porch that will make your drop your jaw, this mosque had to make it to this list of the five most gorgeous mosques in Saudi.

The detailing on the domes of the Anbariya Mosque give it the look of a fortress, making it the perfect monument to photograph during your trip. The lush greenery surrounding the mosque adds to the whole experience.

4. Al Rajhi Grand Mosque in Riyadh

The capital city of Saudi, Riyadh, is also the cultural capital of the country. It has several mosques, art galleries, and museums, which make it an art lover’s paradise. If you are one such aficionada, then you must visit the Al Rajhi Grand Mosque.

The largest mosque in Riyadh, the Al Rajhi Grand Mosque, apart from a space for people to pray in, also has a library where you can spend some quiet time reading, after you are done admiring the architectural genius of the mosque.

5. Al Rajhi Mosque in Hail

The Rajhi Mosque in Hail, has the most striking ochre-coloured domes that you will ever see. With bold detailing on the columns, the mosque presents you with a marvellous design to gawk at.

But the beauty of this mosque is not limited to its exterior. Even the interior of the Al Rajhi Mosque in Hail has some stunning design elements. For instance, it has one of the biggest chandeliers not only in Saudi, but in the whole world. The courtyard of this mosque deserves a mention too. Created to bring peace to your mind and to make it easier for you to quieten yourself, the courtyard is often the favourite nook in this mosque where people find a quiet spot and relax.

Saudi has numerous architectural marvels. It has some of the most exquisitely designed mud brick buildings that date back to several centuries. Saudi is also home to gorgeous forts and citadels and museums, built to be some of the most beautiful structures in the world. And yet, the most spectacular architectural structures or the design masterpieces of the country are its mosques.

The five mosques listed in today’s post should most definitely make it to your list of places to visit when travelling to Saudi this year.  It goes without saying that you must take as many pictures as you possibly can of these beautiful structures. From the Floating Mosque to the Jawatha Mosque that resembles the Al Masmak Fort, you will not have a single boring day in Saudi when mosque visiting.