King Faisal Mosque

This mosque was gifted to the city by King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud himself, the third King of Saudi Arabia. The mosque was built in 1984 under the direction of architect Vedat Dalokay. It became one of the most expensive mosques in the world and one of the most original, with a very unusual look — just one dome and several minarets.
Spread over 5,000 sq. m are several prayer halls, galleries, the Department of Islamic Affairs, an International Islamic University, a huge library, and an office center. The outer courtyard and grounds around the mosque can be freely explored by all visitors any day — the surrounding area is covered in lawns, with flowers and palm trees planted here and there, making it a small park. As for entering the interior as a non-Muslim — sources disagree: some say it's not allowed, others say visitors of any faith are welcome outside prayer times if dress code is observed. In practice it's more reliable to check with the security staff at the entrance.

Visiting hours — Saturday–Thursday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; on Fridays the mosque is closed to tourists (a day reserved for worshippers).

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