About Al-Omari Mosque

Being the first mosque where Muslims prayed in after they entered Beirut, Al-Omari Mosque is considered as one of the monuments of Islamic conquests at the dawn of the first century and is one of the biggest and oldest mosques of the city. It is also called as the big mosque and is considered to be a jewel in the crown of historic sites in Beirut. The Omari mosque dates back to Byzantine times when it was a church until the crusaders transformed it. The mosque is built in Roman style architecture. The mosque’s interior sandstone walls are decorated in Mamluk and Ottoman inscription. The exterior of the mosque clones the layout of the cathedral giving it a mixed mystic atmosphere, it can be rightly felt by both Muslims and Christians. Over and above, visitors come to the mosque to pay obeisance to the tomb containing the prophet Yehia’s relics.

Must See

  • The rectangular interior is a reminder that it was once a Byzantine church which was converted into a mosque in the 13th Century.
  • Look at the original marble mihrab and pulpit.
  • The mosque's interior sandstone walls decorated in Mamluk and Ottoman inscriptions.
  • Inside the mosque, a golden steel cage, a gift from Sultan Abdul Hamid II to Beirut.
  • Admire the intricate Ottoman detailing that decorates the mosque walls.
  • The Roman style (vaults, stone columns, and capitals) dominates the architecture, even though the minaret and entrance in the Mamluk style stand as a historical testament.

How to reach

  • 1 h 5 min (4.9 km) via Damascus by walking.
  • 14 min (10.3 km) via Emile Lahoud by taxi.
  • Bus fares cost either 500LL (OCFTC bus 24) or 1000LL ($0.33 to 0.67).
  • Car rental prices range from economical LL40,000/day to luxury prices. Those can change according to the season, so make sure you contact the car rental company beforehand to check prices as well as pickup/drop-off locations.
  • The Taxi Service system is that the price of the ride is fixed at 2,000 L.L (€1 For private taxi LL10,000 should you want one).

Tips

  • Women should be alerted that their heads must be covered when visiting the site.
  • Make sure you check prayer timing so you're allowed inside if you're not there for prayers.
  • You can visit outside of prayer time.

Visit Time

Check the prayer timings. Visitors are not allowed inside during the prayer timings. Prayer timings differ according to occasions and on Friday's.

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Waiting Time

Nil

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

1 hour

 

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Weather

Few Clouds 28.82°C

 

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