Abu'l-Fida Mosque

Abu'l-Fida Mosque stands on the banks of the Orontes River and was built primarily from dark basalt stone, giving it a striking appearance. The structure displays traditional Islamic features with a prominent minaret and an organized courtyard layout.

The structure was built in 1326 during the Ayyubid period, yet the site holds older layers including a Roman temple from the 3rd century and a Byzantine church beneath it. This sequence reveals how different faiths and empires have occupied the same ground across the centuries.

The mosque carries the name of the ruler Abu'l-Fida, and its northern courtyard serves as a sacred burial ground for important figures from centuries past. Visitors can sense how this space remains central to the spiritual life of the community.

The mosque lies on the western edge of the city, roughly 400 meters from the citadel, making it easy to reach from the city center. Visitors should dress modestly and be aware this is an active place of worship, so touring between prayer times works best.

The building features two contrasting minarets: a square tower dating to 1124 and an octagonal tower added during the Mamluk period in 1427. This architectural blend demonstrates how different eras left their mark as the structure evolved over the centuries.