The holiest city in Islam, Mecca or Makkah is located in western Saudi Arabia. The birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, Mecca’s rich history stretches back to the early middle ages and its historical sites are some of the most fascinating in the world. These ancient relics and holy sites associated with the events and milestones in the prophet’s life attract millions of worshippers every year to undertake the holy pilgrimage, the Hajj.
The grand mosque, or Masjid Al Haram, is the largest mosque in the world. Home to the sacred Kaaba and the Zamzam well, the Mosque is said to hold up to 1.2million worshippers at once. The Al Jaaranah Mosque said to be the location where Mohammed clothes himself before performing his own Hajj can be visited only with government permission. The Thor Mountain and Al Nour Mountain are also significant religious sites and can be visited by pilgrims freely.
While the Hajj is an obligatory trip for all Muslims who are able, non-Muslims are not allowed to make a pilgrimage, though tourists can visit the wider district of Mecca. Keep in mind that a visit can only be booked through specialist Mecca travel guides.