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Mecca

Culture of Mecca. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Every landmark of Mecca is a truly unique place. Al Haram Mosque is, without a doubt, the main symbol of the city and the religious landmark of the international level. According to historical data, the building of a mosque on this site started yet in 638. The mosque, which pilgrims from all over the world come to see these days, was built in the second half of the 16th century. During its long history, the mosque was reconstructed many times, so its look has changed virtually beyond recognition during the last four centuries.
The last extensive reconstruction of the mosque took place more than 30 years ago. Thanks to a series of renovation works, the Al-Haram complex was extended and two minarets appeared there. The size of the modern mosque is 309,000 square meters, and the height of the construction is 95 meters. For the convenience of guests, Al-Haram has escalators and a modern air-conditioning system in the halls. Al-Haram Mosque is a unique religious building that can provide space for up to 700,000 people simultaneously.
The inner yard of the mosque hides a true gem - Kaaba , the main sacred object for all Muslim people. While praying, all Muslims in the world turn their faces into the direction of Kaaba. It is a relatively small building of a cubic shape that has been the center of the most important religious ceremonies for centuries. Kaaba is located in an incredibly beautiful inner yard, and every day thousands of people gather around it to pray. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Muslim pilgrims fill Mecca in the Dhu al-Hijjah month. This is the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Dhu'l-Hijjah does not depend on the time of year. It is determined solely from … Open
The list of unique landmarks of Mecca is not limited to religious objects. Visitors are recommended to see Jamarat Bridge . The legendary pedestrian bridge crosses Mina in order to help pilgrims access the sacred place in a more convenient way. There are many interesting legends and traditions connected with the construction. In accordance with one of them, thousands of years ago, Prophet Abraham saw devil on the site of the modern bridge. The prophet threw three stones into it, and the devil disappeared. Since that time, all pilgrims make this symbolic ceremony while crossing the bridge. In the second half of the 20th century, the old bridge couldn’t serve the growing number of pilgrims anymore. Therefore, it was decided to modernize and expand it. Nowadays, Jamarat Bridge is a true landmark of the engineering art. It has comfortable escalators and a modern air conditioning system. Jamarat Bridge also has several levels.
Mecca suburbs are also not deprived of symbolic landmarks that are worth the attention of tourists. Legendary Arafat Mount is one of them. According to a legend, this is the place where Adam met Eve. Nowadays, just like many centuries ago, Mount Arafat is a regular venue for important religious celebrations.
Mecca is a city of pilgrims. Everything here is connected with Muslim culture and religion. So do not expect from a trip to Mecca extreme entertainment or bright visits to nightclubs. … Open
Abraj Al-Bait Towers are also among the outstanding landmarks of the modern city. The highest tower of the complex is 601 meters high. Abraj Al-Bait Towers are an architectural landmark of the international level and are always present in the list of the tallest buildings in the world. The high-rise constructions are perfectly visible from different parts of Mecca. A popular hotel, numerous restaurants, and a large shopping mall – there’s enough space for everything in the stylish skyscrapers. The façade of Makkah Royal Clock Tower looks incredibly eye-catching thanks to the largest clock face in the world. The four clock faces of the tower are directed to the four corners of the world. The exploration of unique landmarks of Mecca will certainly leave many unforgettable memories.
In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Mecca and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Mecca and surroundings

Mecca - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Unique spots in Mecca and near

Abraj Al-Bait Towers

From the series “Elegant Architectural Structures for Fans of Skywalks”
Among the main design features of the architectural complex it’s worth noting helipads on the roof. The highest in the complex is the Royal Tower, it is decorated with a huge clock face. The dial diameter is 43 meters. A huge clock is located at an altitude of 400 meters. It has 4 dials oriented precisely to the cardinal directions. … Read further

Tower Abraj al-Bait

From the series “The Highest Buildings in the World”
One of six towers is occupied by the hotel, which annually welcomes hundreds of thousands of pilgrims arriving to Mecca from all over the world. The architectural complex is home to the upscale shopping center and hundreds of stores; its large-scale infrastructure includes parking for 800 cars and two helipads. … Read further

Iconic cultural sights of Saudi Arabia

The ancient city of Ta'if was the center of worship of the goddess of the eponymous tribes. Its sanctuary was destroyed by Muhammad, who converted the inhabitants to Islam. Local tribes tried to stone Muhammad here in a place called Wadi Mitna. The famous Damask rose, which has 30 petals grow on the rose plantations of Ta'if. Peak flowering occurs in April. Rose petals are used in the perfume industry. Ta'if is a popular summer resort where foreigners are allowed. … Open
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com Rentals in Mecca

Thailand Relaxes Its COVID-19 Policy

New Year events in Thailand are likely to bring more people this year because everyone is tired of lockdowns and craving normal life. Many tourists, who book hotels in Pattaya, Krabi, or Phuket for the holiday season, also want to participate. As champagne has become an essential drink for New Year celebrations, the question regarding alcohol consumption comes to mind. The government allowed serving alcoholic drinks during the New Year countdown but only open-air cafes and restaurants with good ventilation will be permitted to do this until 1 am on 1 January 2022. This rule is nationwide. Read this

19.03.2024

Photogallery of cultural heritage of Mecca

Landmarks of culture on Mecca map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc

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Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Mecca

Culture guide to Mecca. Which fascinating sights to visit once you are in Mecca: temples, churches, museums, theaters and castles. Recommendations (with addresses, phone numbers and links) on the places 'must visit' in Mecca. Plan your own city excursion by using this page info!
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