DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Great Mosque of Samarra

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
monument
—°6
Great Mosque of Samarra (Iraq)

Weather…

The Great Mosque of Samarra, built in the 9th century on the banks of the Tigris River, is one of the most iconic structures in the Islamic world. It was constructed between 848 and 851 under the Abbasid Caliph al-Mutawakkil, during the period when Samarra served as the capital of the caliphate. With a footprint of 240 by 156 meters, it was for centuries the largest mosque in the world, capable of accommodating tens of thousands of worshippers. Its most distinctive feature is the unique spiral minaret, known as the Malwiya, which rises 52 meters into the sky. The minaret features a prominent external ramp that winds spirally toward the summit. The fired-brick architecture demonstrates the monumental power and engineering prowess of the Abbasid Dynasty. Although the mosque was damaged in the 13th century during Mongol invasions, the minaret remained largely intact and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C91116222934363632261610
Rain mm262423207000182122

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Great Mosque of Samarra is a historic site with the famous spiral minaret that can be climbed. Access to the grounds is usually free, but be prepared for security checks.
🕒
Typical hours
The site is usually open during daylight hours, but accessibility may change due to security conditions. It is recommended to check with local authorities or guides for current hours.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the grounds, especially the minaret and walls. Drones are likely not permitted; use a camera with a telephoto lens for close-ups.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow about one to one and a half hours to explore the grounds and climb the minaret. The spiral minaret climb takes about ten minutes.
➕
Combine with
The mosque is in Samarra, about 130 km north of Baghdad. Combine the visit with the Great Mosque of Abu Dulaf or the ruins of ancient Samarra.
🧭
Getting there
Samarra is accessible from Baghdad by car or taxi; the journey takes about two hours. Due to security concerns, it's advisable to travel with a local driver or an organised tour.
💡
Insider tip
Wear comfortable shoes for the minaret climb as the steps are uneven and have no handrails. Bring water as there is little shade on site.

Geography

Coordinates
34.20580, 43.87390

Facts

  • The mosque was built between 848 and 851 under the reign of Caliph al-Mutawakkil.
  • Spanning roughly 38,000 square meters, it was once the largest mosque in the world.
  • The spiral Malwiya minaret reaches a total height of 52 meters.
  • The outer brick walls are supported by 44 semi-circular defensive towers.
  • Samarra served as the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate from 836 to 892.
  • The site was officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Al-Askari ShrineAl-Askari Shrine<1 km · WExplore →
SamarraSamarra3 km · NExplore →
TikritTikrit38 km · SEExplore →
Hamrin MountainsHamrin Mountains48 km · SEExplore →
FallujahFallujah70 km · WExplore →
Lake ThartharLake Tharthar70 km · SExplore →
BaijiBaiji72 km · SEExplore →
Baiji Oil RefineryBaiji Oil Refinery76 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Great Mosque of Samarra (6)

Palace bath🏺 historical

The remains of this historical bathhouse were once part of the grand palace complex of the Abbasid caliphs.

Pool of Khalifa🏺 historical

This monumental water basin in the area of the Abbasid palaces once served ceremonial and cooling purposes.

castel sheek majid🏰 castle

A historical residence in Samarra featuring elements of traditional Iraqi fortification architecture.

Qasr al Ashaq🏺 historical

The impressive brick ruins of this Abbasid palace stand visibly on the west bank of the Tigris river.

Malwiya🗼 tower

The unique spiral minaret is the world-famous landmark of the 9th-century Great Mosque of Samarra.

Al-Hamad Mosque📍 landmark

A Muslim prayer house in Samarra that contributes to the cityscape of the historic metropolis with its traditional dome.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous feature of the mosque?
The spiral-shaped minaret, known as the Malwiya.
Can you climb the minaret?
Yes, there is an external ramp without railings, which requires caution.
When was the mosque built?
In the 9th century under the Abbasid caliph al-Mutawakkil.
How high is the minaret?
It is approximately 52 meters high.
Is Samarra a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Yes, the archaeological city of Samarra has been on the World Heritage list since 2007.
Great Mosque of Samarra: where is it located?
Great Mosque of Samarra is located in Iraq.
Great Mosque of Samarra: what is there to see?
Highlights include Palace bath, Pool of Khalifa, castel sheek majid.
Great Mosque of Samarra: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Oct.
Great Mosque of Samarra: why is it worth visiting?
The Great Mosque of Samarra, built in the 9th century on the banks of the Tigris River, is one of the most iconic structures in the Islamic world.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Iraq →

Nearby cities

Samarra — Great Mosque of Samarra (Iraq)
Samarra
An ancient city on the Tigris, famous for its spiral Great Mosque.
Tikrit — Great Mosque of Samarra (Iraq)
Tikrit
A city on the Tigris, known as the birthplace of Saladin.
Fallujah — Great Mosque of Samarra (Iraq)
Fallujah
A city on the Euphrates in Al Anbar province, known as the city of mosques.
Baiji — Great Mosque of Samarra (Iraq)
Baiji
An industrial city in Saladin province, known for its large oil refineries.

History & landmarks

Al-Askari Shrine — Great Mosque of Samarra (Iraq)
Al-Askari Shrine
An important Shia holy site in Samarra, famous worldwide for its historically golden dome.

Nature

Lake Tharthar — Great Mosque of Samarra (Iraq)
Lake Tharthar
Lake Tharthar is the largest lake by area in Iraq and serves as an important water reservoir.

More places

Hamrin Mountains — Great Mosque of Samarra (Iraq)
Hamrin Mountains
A prominent mountain ridge extending from the Iranian border to the Tigris river, forming a natural cultural boundary.
Baiji Oil Refinery — Great Mosque of Samarra (Iraq)
Baiji Oil Refinery
One of the historically largest and most important oil refineries in the country, ensuring a significant portion of the domestic fuel sup…
Makhoul Mountains — Great Mosque of Samarra (Iraq)
Makhoul Mountains
A range of hills and mountains on the western bank of the Tigris, representing a northwestward continuation of the Hamrin Mountains.
Assur — Great Mosque of Samarra (Iraq)
Assur
The first capital and religious center of the Assyrian Empire on the Tigris.
Dur-Kurigalzu — Great Mosque of Samarra (Iraq)
Dur-Kurigalzu
An ancient city in southern Mesopotamia with a distinctive ziggurat ruin still visible today.