With the announcement of record-breaking tourists arriving in Saudi Arabia in 2024, Saudi Arabia’s position in tourism has changed significantly. The country recently opened its doors to tourism in 2019, when it recorded 17.5 million international visitors, and that record was broken in 2024 when it had 30 million international visitors. Millions of these people are still religious tourists who come to visit the top religious landmarks in Saudi Arabia and perform the pilgrimage rituals.
Saudi Arabia is the hub of Islam. This country is not only where Islam began and spread but also home to the main pilgrimage sites for Muslims. It is known as one of the top destinations for Muslims and religious tourists. Many US Muslims like yourself travel to the country every year for a spiritually rejuvenating experience. From the iconic landmarks in Saudi Arabia, such as the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, to historical treasures like Diriyah, your journey will be filled with profound moments. If you want to be one of them, here are some landmarks you must add to your Saudi itinerary.
10 Most Incredible Religious Landmarks in Saudi Arabia
1. The Grand Mosque
Being home to the sacred house of Allah Almighty in this world, the religious significance of the Grand Mosque is unmatched. The Grand Mosque is an incredible landmark that hosts some of the world’s biggest and most diverse crowds. Pilgrims arrive at this mosque to fulfill their obligation to perform Hajj or to have a spiritual awakening through Umrah. You can visit this sacred landmark soon if you have the Umrah deals and are planning your spiritual retreat. Also, the Holy Kaaba is the sacred landmark known as the Qibla of the Muslims. All the Muslims around the globe turn toward this holy cubic structure.
2. The Prophet’s Mosque
The Prophet’s Mosque is the other incredible religious landmark in Saudi Arabia that deserves second place on this list. This mosque houses the tomb of the last prophet of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Therefore, it is among the most sacred sites for Muslims. Countless pilgrims arrive at this mosque yearly to feel closest to the Prophet (SAW), pay their respects, and indulge in various acts of Ibadah.
3. Hira Cave
If there is one site that you can refer to as the one from where Islam began, you can say it is Hira Cave. Near Mecca, this glorious cave is located atop the Mountain of Light, also known as Jabal al-Nour. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) meditated in this cave before he was declared the Islamic prophet. One day, when he was in this cave, he got the message of the Almighty. Therefore, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that this cave is symbolic of Islam and is among the top religious landmarks in the country.
4. Mount Arafat
Mount Arafat is among the numerous religious hills in Saudi Arabia. This mountain is known for many prominent historical events in Islam. From the site of the famous last sermon of the Prophet (SAW) to the grand sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Prophet Ismail (SAW), there are countless significant events associated with this mountain. Let’s not forget that it is also one of the primary Hajj pilgrimage sites. Supplicating here also promises endless rewards.
5. Cave Thawr
Here is another sacred cave in Saudi Arabia, known for its exceptional religious significance. Cave Thawr is a massive rock with two openings. The Prophet (SAW) took refuge within this cave once he altered his way while migrating from Mecca to Medina. Quraysh of Mecca followed him and his closest companion to harm them before they arrived in Medina. But Allah Almighty miraculously helped the Prophet (SAW) and saved them from the Quraysh of Mecca.
6. Quba Mosque
Let’s not forget about the earliest mosque in Islam. Masjid Quba is of exceptional religious significance because of its position in Islamic history and because it is mentioned in the Holy Quran. Imagine offering just two Rakats of prayer and being rewarded for performing an Umrah. Praying at this historic mosque in the holy city of Medina is rewarding. Many non-Muslim tourists also visit this mosque to learn about Islamic history.
7. Masjid Aisha
One of the prominent Miqat sites in Mecca, where pilgrims assume the state of Ihram, Masjid Aisha is another one of the must-visit landmarks in the country. Every year, countless pilgrims enter the state of Ihram for their pilgrimage at this spacious mosque. This mosque also has a prominent part in Islamic history. As the name makes it obvious, it is associated with the wife of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Hazrat Aisha (RA). She assumed Ihram here while traveling for pilgrimage with the Prophet (SAW).
8. Mecca Museum
Like every other museum, the Mecca Museum also takes you back in time. But this museum takes you on a journey through the past of Islamic civilization. It exhibits various masterpieces that represent Islamic culture over the ages. Therefore, if you are curious about Islamic history and ancient Islamic civilization, don’t forget to visit this incredible museum in the city. This is the perfect place to enlighten yourself about life in the ancient Islamic era.
9. Masjid al-Qiblatain
Did you know that before the Holy Kaaba in Mecca, the Qibla of the Muslims was Masjid Aqsa in Jerusalem? In 640 CE, the Qibla of the Muslims was changed. This mosque was built where the Prophet (SAW) received divine orders to change the Qibla of the Muslims. Hence, its name, Masjid al-Qiblatain. . This makes it one of the top religious landmarks in Saudi Arabia for pilgrims and tourists.
10. Al Baqi Cemetery
Al Baqi cemetery is one of the earliest cemeteries in Medina and a prominent part of Saudi history. It is also a prominent religious landmark because it was built on the orders of the Prophet (SAW), and many of his close companions and relatives are resting here in eternal peace. Pilgrims visit this cemetery to pay their respects to the kind souls and learn about Islamic history.
Summing Up
Are you planning to visit the top religious landmarks in Saudi Arabia soon? You must contact an Islamic travel agency and get the best Umrah deals before assembling your itinerary. Once you know that all your Umrah bookings are taken care of, you can learn about various religious landmarks you must visit in the country to make your time worthwhile. Prepare your travel backpack and hop on a spiritual journey with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.