Mecca

Log in to your account

AroundUs is a community-driven map of interesting places, built by curious explorers like you. It grows with every review, story, and photo you share.
Connect to save your favorite spots, contribute locations, and create personalized routes.
By continuing, you accept our Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Policy
Add to collection
Map
Suggest a change
Share

Mecca, Sacred pilgrimage site in Western Saudi Arabia

The Masjid al-Haram surrounds the Kaaba, a cubic structure at the center of Mecca, with space for one million worshippers at once.

Muhammad took control of Mecca in 630 AD, removed all pagan idols from the Kaaba, and established the city as the spiritual center of Islam.

The Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca represents one of the Five Pillars of Islam, drawing millions of Muslims from across the globe each year.

Located 70 kilometers inland from Jeddah, Mecca receives pilgrims through King Abdulaziz International Airport and maintains numerous accommodation facilities.

The population of Mecca fluctuates from 2.4 million residents to over 7 million during the month of Dhul Hijjah for annual pilgrimages.

Location: Mecca Province

Elevation above the sea: 277 m

Website: https://hmm.gov.sa

GPS coordinates: 21.42085,39.82687

Latest update: May 28, 2025 03:58

Saudi Arabia historical sites to visit : religious monuments, archaeological areas, cultural heritage

Saudi Arabia contains a wide range of historical locations spanning multiple periods, from Islamic holy sites to pre-Islamic archaeological remains. The country encompasses both religious destinations that draw millions of Muslim pilgrims annually and ancient settlements that reveal trade networks and civilizations dating back thousands of years. Among the most significant are the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, the Nabatean tombs at Al-Ula, and prehistoric rock art in various desert regions. The collection includes sacred sites such as the Great Mosque in Mecca with its Kaaba and Zamzam well, the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, and pilgrimage locations like Mount Arafat and the ritual grounds at Mina. Archaeological sites preserve evidence of earlier inhabitants, including Madain Salih with its 111 rock-cut Nabatean tombs from the first century, the petroglyphs of Hail dating back 10,000 years, and the sandstone formations of Al-Ula. Urban centers like Riyadh feature the Masmak Fortress from 1865, while Jeddah's historic port district displays traditional coral stone architecture. Together, these locations document the religious, commercial, and cultural development of the Arabian Peninsula across millennia.

Reviews

Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.

« Mecca: Sacred pilgrimage site in Western Saudi Arabia » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!

From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.

Around Us App Screenshot

A unique approach to discovering new places

Le Figaro

All the places worth exploring

France Info

A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks

20 Minutes