Umayyad Mosque of Damascus

Overview

Built between 706 and 715 CE on the site of a Roman temple of Jupiter and a Christian basilica of Saint John the Baptist, the Umayyad Mosque is the oldest monumental mosque preserved in continuous use.

Significance

The architectural prototype for every later congregational mosque.

Notable Features

• 01Mosaic-clad courtyard
• 02Dome of the Eagle
• 03Shrine of John the Baptist's head
• 04Minaret of Jesus

Major Attractions

• 01

  Mosaic Courtyard

  The west portico's gold-ground mosaics depict an idealised paradise of palaces and rivers — among the greatest works of early Islamic art.

• 02

  Prayer Hall

  A vast triple-aisled basilica plan with the Dome of the Eagle at its centre — the prototype of the hypostyle mosque.

• 03

  Shrine of John the Baptist

  A marble pavilion in the prayer hall said to contain the head of John the Baptist, venerated by Muslims and Christians alike.

• 04

  Minaret of Jesus

  The south-east minaret, on which tradition says Jesus will descend at the end of time.

• 05

  Shrine of Hussein

  A small Shi'a shrine in the north-east corner where the head of Imam Hussein is said to have rested after Karbala.

Visitor Tips

• ›Women must wear the grey abaya provided at the women's entrance; shoes are removed at the door.
• ›Visit mid-morning to see the mosaics in full light.
• ›Step out into the spice-and-rosewater air of Souq al-Hamidiyeh afterwards.

What to Eat Nearby

• Bakdash Ice Cream

  A few steps away in the souq — mastic-rosewater ice cream rolled in pistachios since 1885.

• Naranj Restaurant

  Damascene mezze and grills in a restored courtyard a short walk from the mosque.

Where to Stay

• Beit Al Mamlouka

  Boutique heritage

  Restored courtyard house in the Christian quarter, a 10-minute walk from the mosque.

• Beit Zaman

  Guesthouse

  Affordable courtyard guesthouse minutes from the Umayyad Mosque entrance.