Mecca, Sacred pilgrimage site in Western Saudi Arabia
The city sits in western Saudi Arabia as the spiritual heart of Islam and the goal of pilgrimages from around the world. Masjid al-Haram surrounds the Kaaba, a cube-shaped structure, with multiple levels of arcades and large open courtyards.
Muhammad gained control of the city in 630 and cleared all pagan idols from the Kaaba. He made the site the religious center of the new faith.
Only Muslims may enter the city, where visitors from every corner of the world gather for prayer and to walk around the Kaaba. Pilgrims wear simple white garments that mark everyone as equal.
The city lies roughly 70 kilometers (43 miles) inland from Jeddah and is served by King Abdulaziz International Airport. Lodging is available at different price levels near the holy sites.
The city becomes several times more crowded for a few weeks each year when millions of people arrive for the annual pilgrimage. The whole place transforms into one large encampment during that time.
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