🕌 Umayyad Mosque (Damascus)
Syria
About This Sacred Site
The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, is one of the oldest, largest, and most significant mosques in the Islamic world. Built by Caliph al-Walid I between 706 and 715 CE on the site of a Roman temple and a Christian basilica, it contains a shrine believed to hold the head of John the Baptist, venerated by both Christians and Muslims. The mosque introduced architectural elements that became standard in mosque design, including the minaret, and its mosaics are considered masterpieces of Islamic art.
Key Facts
- •Built between 706 and 715 CE by the Umayyad Caliph al-Walid I
- •Contains a shrine believed to hold the head of John the Baptist
- •Built on the site of a Roman temple to Jupiter and a Christian basilica
- •One of the first mosques to feature a minaret
- •The prayer hall can hold up to 5,000 worshippers
Location
Coordinates: 33.5114, 36.3067
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