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Kaaba

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Landmark
—°8
Kaaba (Saudi Arabia)

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The Kaaba is the holiest shrine in Islam, located at the center of the Grand Mosque in Mecca. It is a cuboid-shaped building made of granite and is covered with the Kiswah, a black silk cloth embroidered with Quranic verses in gold thread. Muslims worldwide orient their prayers towards the Kaaba, and it serves as the focal point of the Hajj pilgrimage, where believers circumambulate it seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. According to Islamic tradition, the history of the Kaaba dates back to Abraham and his son Ishmael, who built the structure as the first house of worship. Over the centuries, it has been renovated and rebuilt several times, with the last major structural reinforcement occurring in 1996. Embedded in the eastern corner of the Kaaba is the Black Stone, a sacred relic that pilgrims strive to touch or kiss.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212326293335343434302623
Rain mm611742101394

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Kaaba itself can only be entered by Muslims; non-Muslims may enter the courtyard of the Great Mosque of Mecca. The interior is accessible only on special occasions.
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Typical hours
The Great Mosque is open 24 hours a day, accessible to pilgrims and visitors at all times. The Kaaba itself is usually only visible during cleaning ceremonies.
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Photography
Photography in the mosque courtyard is allowed, but respectful behavior is required. You may photograph the Kaaba, but avoid flash and during prayer times.
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Time needed
Visiting the courtyard and surrounding areas may take 1-2 hours depending on crowds. For circumambulating the Kaaba (tawaf), pilgrims need about 20-30 minutes.
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Combine with
In Mecca you can visit other holy sites like the hills of Safa and Marwa and the Zamzam well. Many pilgrims combine the visit with the Prophet's Mosque in Medina.
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Getting there
Mecca is reachable by plane via King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, then by bus or taxi. The Great Mosque is in the city center and easily walkable.
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Insider tip
Plan your visit outside the Hajj season to avoid extreme crowds. Wear appropriate conservative clothing and be mindful of local prayer times.

Geography

Coordinates
21.42250, 39.82620

Facts

  • The Kaaba is approximately 13.1 meters high and made of granite.
  • The Kiswah is replaced every year during the Hajj pilgrimage.
  • The Black Stone has a diameter of about 30 centimeters.
  • The interior of the Kaaba is lined with white marble.
  • The golden door of the Kaaba weighs approximately 300 kilograms.
  • The Maqam Ibrahim is located about 10 meters from the Kaaba.

Explore nearby

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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 Kaaba (8)

Kaaba

Cubical shrine in Mecca, Saudi Arabia; direction of prayer for Muslims worldwide.

Grand Mosque of Mecca

Islam's holiest mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Encompasses the Kaaba and the Black Stone.

♿

Great Mosque of Mecca

Islam's holiest mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Center of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

♿

Masjid Abu Baker As-Siddiq - 3rd Floor

Prayer room on the third floor of a building in Mecca, named after the first caliph.

Prayer Hall - Abraj al Bait

Prayer hall in the Abraj al-Bait complex in Mecca, near the Grand Mosque.

Clock Tower Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Mecca's clock tower, showcasing Islamic art and science.

Al Kashmiri Mosque

Mosque in Mecca, named after the Kashmiri community or a benefactor.

Suleiman's historic Palace🏰 castle

Historic palace in Mecca, associated with the Ottoman era or a local ruler.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can non-Muslims visit the area?
No, Mecca and the holy area are strictly reserved for Muslims.
What is the best time of day for Tawaf?
The early morning or late evening hours are less hot and often less crowded.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, pilgrims wear Ihram (white cloths) and women wear modest, covering clothing.
How is the Kaaba cleaned?
It is cleaned annually by authorized personnel using rose water and special materials.
Is photography allowed?
Photography for personal use is permitted, but respect those praying.
Kaaba: where is it located?
Kaaba is located in Saudi Arabia.
Kaaba: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kaaba, Grand Mosque of Mecca, Great Mosque of Mecca.
Kaaba: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Kaaba: why is it worth visiting?
The Kaaba is the holiest shrine in Islam, located at the center of the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Jeddah — Kaaba (Saudi Arabia)
Jeddah
A modern port city on the Red Sea that traditionally serves as the gateway for pilgrims traveling to Mecca.
Mecca — Kaaba (Saudi Arabia)
Mecca
The holiest city in Islam, birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, and the destination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Ta&#39;if — Kaaba (Saudi Arabia)
Ta'if
A mountain city in the Mecca Province known for its cooler climate and the production of rose water.
🗺️
Al Lith
A gateway to the Red Sea south of Jeddah, known for its diving spots and the North Corniche.
Thuwal — Kaaba (Saudi Arabia)
Thuwal
A historic fishing village on the Red Sea, now home to the prestigious KAUST university.
🗺️
Al Qunfudhah
A historical Red Sea port known as the 'Bride of the Red Sea', offering stunning coastal views and traditional charm.

History & landmarks

Abraj Al Bait — Kaaba (Saudi Arabia)
Abraj Al Bait
A massive hotel complex in Mecca featuring the world's largest clock tower, located right next to the Great Mosque.
Jabal al-Nour — Kaaba (Saudi Arabia)
Jabal al-Nour
A prominent mountain near Mecca that houses the famous Cave of Hira, a site of immense spiritual significance.
King Fahd&#39;s Fountain — Kaaba (Saudi Arabia)
King Fahd's Fountain
This impressive fountain in Jeddah shoots seawater into the sky at a record-breaking height.
Al Wahbah Crater — Kaaba (Saudi Arabia)
Al Wahbah Crater
A massive volcanic crater on the western edge of the Harrat Kishb basalt plateau, often mistaken for a meteorite crater.
Thee Ain — Kaaba (Saudi Arabia)
Thee Ain
Thee Ain is a 400-year-old heritage stone village in Al Bahah, built on a white marble hilltop.

Nature

🗺️
Red Sea Coast
The western maritime coast of the country, characterized by stunning coral reefs, turquoise waters, and emerging mega-tourism projects.
Wadi Qanuna — Kaaba (Saudi Arabia)
Wadi Qanuna
One of the largest and most beautiful valleys in the region, with water flowing through it almost all year round.

More places

Ain Zubaydah — Kaaba (Saudi Arabia)
Ain Zubaydah
A historical aqueduct system built to provide water to Mecca and pilgrims.
🗺️
Wadi Fatima
A significant valley between the cities of Mecca and Jeddah that historically served as a green lifeline for caravans.
Al Hada Rose Farms — Kaaba (Saudi Arabia)
Al Hada Rose Farms
Terraced flower fields in the mountains known for producing the famous Taif rose water.
Jabal Daka — Kaaba (Saudi Arabia)
Jabal Daka
The highest mountain in the Ta'if region, known for its breathtaking sunsets and steep cliffs.
Taif Strawberry Farm — Kaaba (Saudi Arabia)
Taif Strawberry Farm
An agricultural farm in the cool mountains of Taif where visitors can pick fresh strawberries.
Al Rudaf Park — Kaaba (Saudi Arabia)
Al Rudaf Park
A popular family park in Taif famous for its musical dancing fountains and flower exhibitions.
Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad) — Kaaba (Saudi Arabia)
Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad)
The historical center of Jeddah, known for traditional coral houses.
Jeddah Islamic Port — Kaaba (Saudi Arabia)
Jeddah Islamic Port
Jeddah Islamic Port is the country's primary port and handles the vast majority of Saudi imports.