Guide to the Two Holy Mosques

The Grand Mosque (Al-Masjid Al-Haram)

The Grand Mosque surrounds the Kaaba and contains the Mataf (Tawaf area) and the Mas'a (Sa'y gallery). It has a ground floor, first floor and roof, plus the third Saudi expansion to the north.

Landmarks inside

• Black Stone: start and end of each Tawaf circuit.
• Al-Multazam: between the Black Stone and the Kaaba door.
• Maqam Ibrahim: pray the two Tawaf rak'ahs behind it.
• Hijr Ismail (Al-Hatim): part of the Kaaba; Tawaf must pass outside it.
• The Mas'a: ~395 m between Safa and Marwa, on several levels.

Visitor services

• Wheelchairs (manual and electric) via Nusuk or rental points.
• Zamzam water throughout the mosque.
• Lost & found, wayfinding and translation desks.
• Toilets and ablution areas in the outer courtyards.

The Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid An-Nabawi)

The second holiest mosque, containing Al-Rawdah and the Prophet's chamber, with courtyards shaded by giant retractable umbrellas.

Landmarks

• Al-Rawdah: by Nusuk permit only.
• Al-Muwajaha: to greet the Prophet ﷺ and his two companions.
• Bab al-Salam: the traditional gate of greeting.
• Al-Baqi' cemetery: east of the mosque; men may visit at set times.

Getting around

• Every gate has a number and a name — memorise the one nearest your hotel.
• Agree on a fixed meeting point with your family.
• In the Prophet's Mosque women's prayer halls have dedicated gates; follow the signs.