Umayyad Mosque

Umayyad Mosque

The Umayyad Mosque was first built in 705 AD and is one of the most important mosques in Islam. It is considered the fourth holiest site in Islam and is located in Damascus, the capital of Syria. Originally, the Umayyad Mosque was a Temple of Jupiter during the Roman Empire, which was later converted into the Church of St. John after Christianity was established as the state religion of the Roman Empire. In 705 AD, Caliph Al-Walid I of the Umayyad Dynasty took over the church and transformed it into a mosque.

During the renovation, the rectangular layout of the church was preserved. The mosque features strong Islamic architectural elements, with its grand and magnificent overall structure adorned with luxurious decorations. The interior is supported by marble columns, which are not only intricately carved but also inlaid with golden, gemstone, and shell-adorned artworks made of red, black, and white marble. From afar, its three exquisitely crafted minarets can be seen. Two of the Umayyad Mosque’s minarets were originally bell towers of the church, while the third, the minaret of light, was built by Al-Walid I. In the courtyard, there is a marble fountain built in 976 AD for ritual washing. Historically, the Umayyad Mosque has been burned down three times. Today, it houses the tombs of both John the Baptist and Saladin.

Umayyad Mosque

Must-visit reason: One of the most important mosques in Islam

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Syria[Syria]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Damascus Governorate [Damascus Governorate]

City where the attraction is located: Damascus [Damascus]