Medina
The second holiest city in Islam, holding the Prophet's Mosque and his tomb; the central area is closed to non-Muslims.
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Medina was where the Prophet Muhammad settled after leaving Mecca in 622, the event from which the Islamic calendar counts, and where he is buried; the Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet's Mosque, is built around the site of his house and grave, marked by the green dome, and it is the second holiest place in Islam after the Masjid al-Haram. The mosque has been enlarged many times and now covers an enormous area with retractable umbrellas over the courtyards. Quba Mosque, held to be the first mosque built in Islam, and the Qiblatain Mosque are also in the city, along with the site of the battle of Uhud. The central haram area is restricted to Muslims.
What you actually see
- Masjid an-Nabawi - the Prophet's Mosque and the green dome.
- Quba Mosque - held to be the first mosque of Islam.
- The Qiblatain Mosque - where the direction of prayer was changed.
- The Haramain railway - the high-speed line linking Medina to Mecca and Jeddah.
When to go
October to April for bearable weather; summer heat is severe. Ramadan brings very large numbers to the mosque. The Haramain high-speed line reaches Medina from Jeddah and Mecca.
Honest expectations
The central area of the city is restricted to Muslims and the boundary is enforced. Crowds around the mosque are heavy at prayer times and in Ramadan. Much of the historic city was cleared in twentieth-century expansions. Photography inside the mosque is restricted.
Nearby
AlUla and Hegra lie northwest; Khaybar is north.
What to pack for Medina
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
