Umayyad Mosque of Damascus — Religious in Old City of Damascus, 705 CE

Religious · Old City of Damascus

Umayyad Mosque of Damascus

الجامع الأموي

33.5117° N · 36.3066° E

“The fourth-holiest site in Islam.”

705 CE · Old City of Damascus
Category
Religious
Era
705 CE
Location
Old City of Damascus
UNESCO
Not inscribed

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

  1. Mosaic-clad courtyard
  2. Dome of the Eagle
  3. Shrine of John the Baptist's head
  4. Minaret of Jesus

Major Attractions

  • 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.

  • Prayer Hall

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

  • 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.

  • Minaret of Jesus

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

  • 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.

← All heritage

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