About The Umayyad Mosque

Also called the great mosque of Damascus, the Umayyad Mosque is one of the oldest and the largest mosques in the world. Built between the AD 705 and 715, the mosque stands on the site of a 1st-century Hellenic temple of Jupiter which later became a church of St. John the Baptist. The architecture of the mosque hints about its rich historic past and is still the most visited spot in Damascus. Marvel at the large open courtyard surrounded by a beautiful arcade of arches. Pray at the beautiful hall of worship, explore the transept with a central octagonal dome and the marble grilles that cover the windows. The walls of the mosque were once richly covered with infinite mosaics portraying a fanciful landscape but only fragments of it survived the damages that were caused throughout history. Although the Umayyad Mosque lost its original splendour, it is still a stunning architectural monument of Damascus.

Must See

  • Large open courtyard
  • Beautiful arcade of arches
  • The hall of worship
  • Central octagonal dome
  • The marble grilles

How to reach

You can reach by car. It is only 1.5 km from the city centre and can be reached on foot as well.

Tips

  • Footwear is not allowed inside the mosque.
  • Women must wear a traditional robe, abaya, in order to enter the mosque.
  • There are places outside the mosque where women can rent the robe (abaya) that has to be worn before entering.
  • There are special areas reserved only for women inside the mosque. Men are not allowed to be here.
  • Maintain silence when you are in the mosque. Talking loudly or making noise is considered rude.
  • Big bags/ luggage may not be allowed inside.
  • Switch off your cell phones or keep them in silent mode once you are in the prayer hall as it is considered bad manners to talk on the phone in sacred places.

Visit Time

Sunday: Open 24 hours

Monday: Open 24 hours

Tuesday: Open 24 hours

Wednesday: Open 24 hours

Thursday: Open 24 hours

Friday: Open 24 hours

Saturday: Open 24 hours

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Waiting Time

You may have to wait in queue for entry.

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

2 hours

 

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Weather

Clear Sky 21.49°C

 

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