The Floating Mosque - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

AO Edited

The Floating Mosque

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Al Rahmah Mosque appears to "float" atop the Red Sea. 

View all photos
The pillars of the mosque gleam in the sunlight. Allison Fitts (Atlas Obscura User)
Left: The pillars of the mosque gleam in the sunlight. Allison Fitts (Atlas Obscura User)
Right: The mosque is especially beautiful at sunset. Allison Fitts (Atlas Obscura User)
The mosque is especially beautiful at sunset. Allison Fitts (Atlas Obscura User)
10
16
Top Places in Jeddah
The site of the tomb in the 1920s
Eve's Tomb
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Al Balad
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
 See All
This entry is a stub
Help improve Atlas Obscura by expanding The Floating Mosque with additional information or photos.

The Al-Rahmah Mosque, commonly referred to as the Floating Mosque, was built in 1985 rooted in the floor of the Red Sea. In the decades since this wondrous structure was constructed in Saudi Arabia, it has gained international fame for the way it appears to magically float on the water’s surface. 

How convincing that illusion is depends heavily on the water levels, admittedly. No matter how high the Red Sea is on a particular day, the alabaster-hued pillars, turquoise dome, and stained glass windows are visually stunning. Fifty-two outer domes encircle the central one, which stands below a towering minaret.

Know Before You Go

The mosque is open 24 hours a day and observes prayer five times a day. You can access the mosque via the Jeddah Corniche or the Yacht Club.

optical illusions mosques temples religion
Community Contributors
Allison Fitts
Added by
Allison Fitts
Published
March 5, 2024
Edit this listing
Make an Edit Add Photos
Nearby
Eve's Tomb
12.27 miles
Al Balad
12.33 miles
Al Wahbah Crater
156 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
The site of the tomb in the 1920s
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Eve's Tomb

An archaeological site believed to be the burial place of the "mother of us all."
Al Balad
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Al Balad

For centuries, Jeddah’s old town was a major trading port and a point of entry for Hajj pilgrims traveling by sea.
Al Wahbah Crater
Saudi Arabia

Al Wahbah Crater

This giant volcanic crater holds its very own field of salt.
Remaining "Hangar" of Précontinent II
Sudan

Précontinent II

All that remains of Jacques Cousteau's 1960s underwater "village."
Related Places
The full mosque
Mazari Sharif, Afghanistan

Afghanistan's Blue Mosque

This magnificent blue mosque in Afghanistan is surrounded by thousands of white doves.
Kyoto, Japan

Yasaka Kōshin-dō Temple

This compact temple is filled with garlands of colorful balls that represent restrained monkeys.
Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Hindu Temples of Rawalpindi

Hidden among Rawalpindi’s modern buildings are the remains of dilapidated Hindu temples.
Lahore, Pakistan

Shab Bhar Masjid

This mosque was built overnight as an act of defiance against the British colonial authorities.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web