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Umayyad Mosque

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monument
—°6
Umayyad Mosque (Syria)

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The Umayyad Mosque, located in the heart of the Old City of Damascus, stands as one of the oldest and largest mosques in the world. Constructed between 706 and 715 AD by the Umayyad Caliph Al-Walid I, it was built on the site of a Christian basilica dedicated to John the Baptist, which itself occupied the former location of a Roman temple of Jupiter. The mosque's architecture is a significant example of early Islamic design, featuring a vast courtyard surrounded by a colonnade and a prayer hall with three parallel aisles. Its interior is adorned with magnificent Byzantine-style mosaics depicting landscapes and urban architecture, believed to represent paradise. The site remains a major pilgrimage destination, housing a shrine said to contain the head of Saint John the Baptist, respected by both Muslims and Christians. Throughout history, the structure has survived numerous fires and earthquakes, necessitating several major restorations that have preserved its status as a masterpiece of world heritage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C561014192426262319117
Rain mm6957291871002133557

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Umayyad Mosque is open to visitors of all faiths. Access to the prayer hall is possible outside prayer times; appropriate dress is required.
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Typical hours
The mosque is generally open daily from 8 am to 6 pm, with breaks during prayer times. Fridays are usually closed to non-Muslims.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the mosque courtyard. Inside the prayer hall, photography is usually not permitted out of respect.
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Time needed
Allow about one hour for your visit to the mosque. Enjoy the ornate mosaics and the peaceful atmosphere of the courtyard.
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Combine with
Combine the mosque with the nearby Citadel of Damascus and the Souq al-Hamidiyya. All are in the historic centre within walking distance.
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Getting there
The mosque is located in the centre of Damascus Old City, near the Souq al-Hamidiyya. It is reachable on foot from most areas; taxis stop nearby.
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Insider tip
Wear long trousers and cover your shoulders; women should wear a headscarf. Visit the mosque early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Geography

Coordinates
33.51150, 36.31050

Facts

  • Completed in 715 AD during the reign of Caliph Al-Walid I.
  • Houses a shrine believed to contain the head of John the Baptist.
  • Features three distinct minarets, including the Minaret of Jesus.
  • The Byzantine mosaics are some of the largest of their kind in the world.
  • The site was previously a Roman temple dedicated to Jupiter.
  • Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Sayyidah Ruqayya MosqueSayyidah Ruqayya Mosque<1 km · SEExplore →
Hejaz Railway StationHejaz Railway Station2 km · SExplore →
Tishreen ParkTishreen Park4 km · SExplore →
Al-Jalaa ParkAl-Jalaa Park6 km · SExplore →
Mount QasiounMount Qasioun6 km · SEExplore →
Sayyidah Zaynab MosqueSayyidah Zaynab Mosque7 km · NWExplore →
Happy Land Amusement ParkHappy Land Amusement Park9 km · NWExplore →
Ghouta OasisGhouta Oasis10 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Umayyad Mosque (6)

Mariamite Cathedral of Damascus⛪ religious

The Greek Orthodox cathedral is the historic seat of the Patriarchate of Antioch and one of the city's oldest places of worship.

Eastern Temple Gate🏺 historical

The monumental remains of the eastern entrance gate to the ancient Roman Temple of Jupiter are located near the souk.

Maktab Anbar🏛 museum

A splendid 19th-century Jewish mansion that now serves as a cultural center with a beautiful traditional courtyard.

Beit Farhi🏺 historical

This archaeological site includes a historic Jewish residence known for its traditional Damascene architecture.

Armenian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate Damascus📍 landmark

The seat of the Armenian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate, an important religious center for the Armenian community.

Saint John of Damascus📍 landmark

This Christian site is dedicated to the famous theologian Saint John of Damascus, located amidst the historic alleys.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Umayyad Mosque?
A significant Islamic sanctuary in Damascus.
Can non-Muslims enter?
Yes, in designated areas outside prayer times.
What is the dress code?
Appropriate clothing covering the body.
Is there an entry fee?
Visitors often pay a fee at the entrance.
How much time to allocate?
One to two hours are sufficient.
Umayyad Mosque: where is it located?
Umayyad Mosque is located in Syria.
Umayyad Mosque: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mariamite Cathedral of Damascus, Eastern Temple Gate, Maktab Anbar.
Umayyad Mosque: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Umayyad Mosque: why is it worth visiting?
The Umayyad Mosque, located in the heart of the Old City of Damascus, stands as one of the oldest and largest mosques in the world.
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Nearby cities

Damascus — Umayyad Mosque (Syria)
Damascus
Damascus is the capital of Syria and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

History & landmarks

Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque — Umayyad Mosque (Syria)
Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque
A magnificent mosque in Damascus that contains the tomb of Imam Hussein's daughter and is known for its elaborate mirror mosaics.
Azem Palace — Umayyad Mosque (Syria)
Azem Palace
The Azem Palace in the Old City of Damascus was built in 1749 as the residence of the Ottoman governor and is a masterpiece of Islamic ar…
Khan As&#39;ad Pasha — Umayyad Mosque (Syria)
Khan As'ad Pasha
The largest caravanserai in the Old City of Damascus, famous for its spectacular nine domes and striped stone facade.
Mausoleum of Saladin — Umayyad Mosque (Syria)
Mausoleum of Saladin
The final resting place of the famous Ayyubid Sultan Saladin, located in a small garden next to the Umayyad Mosque.
Bab Sharqi — Umayyad Mosque (Syria)
Bab Sharqi
One of the ancient city gates of Damascus and the only one that still retains its original Roman appearance with three arches.
Hejaz Railway Station — Umayyad Mosque (Syria)
Hejaz Railway Station
The historic terminal station in Damascus, famous for its richly decorated ceiling and impressive stained-glass windows.
Tekkiye Mosque — Umayyad Mosque (Syria)
Tekkiye Mosque
An impressive Ottoman mosque complex in Damascus, designed by the famous architect Mimar Sinan in the 16th century.
National Museum of Damascus — Umayyad Mosque (Syria)
National Museum of Damascus
Syria's most important archaeological museum, presenting millennia of history from prehistoric times to the Islamic era.

More places

Temple of Jupiter — Umayyad Mosque (Syria)
Temple of Jupiter
Remains of a gigantic Roman temple that once dominated the center of Damascus.
Citadel of Damascus — Umayyad Mosque (Syria)
Citadel of Damascus
A completely flat-level citadel built not on a hill but at the same elevation as the rest of the old city.
Al-Adawi Zoo — Umayyad Mosque (Syria)
Al-Adawi Zoo
An urban zoo in Damascus that is a popular excursion destination for school classes and families with children.
Tishreen Park — Umayyad Mosque (Syria)
Tishreen Park
One of the largest public parks in Damascus, providing a green oasis in the heart of the bustling capital.
Al-Jalaa Park — Umayyad Mosque (Syria)
Al-Jalaa Park
A well-known sports and leisure park in Damascus, providing facilities for various outdoor activities.
Mount Qasioun — Umayyad Mosque (Syria)
Mount Qasioun
Mount Qasioun rises directly above Damascus, offering an unparalleled panoramic view of the entire capital city.