From the spiralling minaret of Malwiya Tower to the sun-dried mud bricks of the Great Mosque of Djenné, here are the most beautiful mosques to visit the next time you step off the beaten track!
When you think about the most beautiful mosques in the world, which ones come to mind? Would it be Istanbul’s Sultan Ahmed Mosque with its hand-painted blue tiles from the Byzantine era, or do you picture the sheer grandeur of Abu Dhabi’s white-and-gold marvel instead? The unbelievably pretty Pink Mosque of Iran will definitely pop up — and we wouldn’t be surprised if the iconic Dome of the Rock situated in the Old City of Jerusalem wins you over. And why wouldn’t they? They are all gorgeous in their own right. Yet, in this alternative guide, we’re shedding some light on the lesser-known beauties that lay hidden off the beaten track.
Remember, when visiting a mosque, dress modestly in loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs. If you’re entering the prayer area you’ll need to remove your socks, so a clean pair would be ideal. Ladies, while not all mosques will ask you to cover your head, it’s always good to have one with you just in case (plus it’s a great multi-functional clothing item to pack in your suitcase regardless)!
️ Now to 31 July 2022: Enjoy more when you book your Singapore Airlines flight ticket with YouTrip Mastercard — Get up to S$320 worth of Cashback and KrisShop e-vouchers! Don’t miss out this time, find out more here.
1. Old Mosque, Mauritania
Image credits: Tripadvisor
Hidden in the Sahara desert of Northwest Africa is the fortified medieval village of Chinguetti. There you’ll find the largest and most important mosque of the 13th and 14th centuries — the Old Mosque (aka Masjid Chinguetti or Friday Mosque). Despite the shifting sands and harsh conditions that surround it, the prayer room and minaret (that is supposedly the second oldest in continuous use anywhere in the Muslim world) still stand to this day and are said to be used by locals.
Find out more about the most beautiful mosques in the world here.
2. Schwetzingen Mosque, The Schwetzingen Palace Gardens, Germany
Image Credits: Schloss-schwetzingen
Constructed in 1795, the Schwetzingen Mosque is the last surviving “Garden Mosque” from the 18th century — it is also the first German mosque to be constructed amidst the French-style Baroque gardens of Schwetzingen Castle. Built by the European royalties of old to express their enlightenment and tolerance for other religions, the mosque itself did not actually serve any religious purpose. It did, however, act as the meeting place for the founders of Germany’s first Islamic Academy.
Find out more about the most beautiful mosques in the world here.
3. The Great Mosque of Djenné, Mali
Image credits: Zamani Project
The city of Djenné was considered the epicentre of Islam and commerce in Africa in the 13th century, with the Great Mosque of Djenné taking the form of a political symbol for local residents and colonial French powers alike. Made from sun-dried mud bricks coated with clay and palm-trunk inserts, the UNESCO-protected Great Mosque of Djenné is still one of Africa’s most revered religious monuments. Designed in a neo-Sudanese fashion, the mosque is also one of the largest surviving examples of distinctive African architecture as well as the largest mud-built structure in the world!
Find out more about the most beautiful mosques in the world here.
4. Missiri Mosque, Fréjus, France
Image Credits: Islam en France
If you feel like you’ve seen this Missiri Mosque before, it’s because you have! This mosque is a replica of the Great Mosque of Djenné in Mali, built by and for the Senegalese Tirailleurs to curb any homesickness they felt in France. Today, the mosque mains as property of the Ministry of Defence and serves more as a symbol rather than an actual place of worship. You can, however, visit it from July to the third week of September.
Find out more about the most beautiful mosques in the world here.
5. Ljubljana Mosque, Slovenia
Image credits: The Architectural Review
Made from white concrete, steel and glass, the minimalistic Ljubljana Mosque is Slovenia’s first-ever mosque — built half a century after the initial request was made despite much opposition and setbacks. Its glass exterior is meant to show transparency and openness to its city and serve as a platform for the modern Muslim community. It is also part of the Islamic Cultural Centre that includes a library, restaurant, basketball court, housing for staff, and a 40-metre high minaret.
Find out more about the most beautiful mosques in the world here.
6. Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Image credits: Tripadvisor
Once a reliable landmark for sailors approaching Colombo harbour in 1908, the striking Red Mosque still sticks out in clear juxtaposition to the surrounding Pettah neighbourhood to this day. Built to accommodate international traders from Arabia, the mosque drew inspiration from neo-classical and Indo-Saracenic architecture styles of that time. We’re especially huge fans of the pomegranate-shaped domes that deviate from the usual onion-shaped ones!
Find out more about the most beautiful mosques in the world here.
7. Tokyo Camii, Japan
Image credits: Tripadvisor
Located just a stone’s throw from Shinjuku and Harajuku is Japan’s largest mosque — Tokyo Camii. Built in a similar fashion to Istanbul’s famous Blue Mosque (with building materials and furnishings brought over from Turkey), you can expect to see the same gorgeous Ottoman and Byzantine-era details here. We recommend coming in Spring to see the flowers bloom around the mosque and booking a seat at least a week in advance to enjoy an authentic Turkish meal while you are at the mosque.
Find out more about the most beautiful mosques in the world here.
8. Great Mosque of Samarra, Iraq
Image credits: Westend61
Part of the Samarra Archeological City (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the stunning Great Mosque of Samarra was built in the 9th century and its spiralling minaret, Malwiya Tower, stretches over its surroundings at 52 meters in height. It has been said that the Great Mosque of Samarra was at one point in time, the largest mosque in the world and was only destroyed in 1258 by Genghis Khan.
Fun fact, the city’s name is actually a shortened version of the Arabic sentence ”a joy for all those who see it”! Today, while Samarra is currently controlled by militia, if you get the correct permits and are allowed to the site, you can climb all the way to the top of the tower — at your own risk.
Find out more about the most beautiful mosques in the world here.
Visit These Most Beautiful Mosques In The World With YouTrip
Now that you know where the most beautiful mosques in the world are, you are all set for your next adventure overseas. When planning your next trip, don’t forget to check out with your YouTrip card to make full use of our Wholesale Exchange Rates and skip those pesky bank fees.
If you don’t have a YouTrip card yet, sign up now and be sure to check out our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions too! For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram(@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below!
And while you’re at it, why not join the conversation with thousands of #YouTroopers in our very own Community Telegram Group @YouTripSquad? Get tips and tricks to everything YouTrip including exclusive invites to exciting events and experiences, & be part of the #YouTripSquad! 💜
Stay safe, and happy travels!
Related Articles
YouTrip’s Guide To The Best Singapore Halal Cafes 2022
One Of A Kind Resort Bintan Staycation Review
YouTrip’s Weekend Guide To Yogyakarta