Khamis Mosque - The Astana Grand Mosque in Kazakhstan, is the largest mosque in Central Asia and one of the largest in the world.
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Khamis Mosque

4.6
·824 reviews·Tashan, Bahrain

Explore the ancient remains of an 11th-century mosque, featuring iconic twin minarets and a limestone mihrab slab.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Khamis Mosque - The Astana Grand Mosque in Kazakhstan, is the largest mosque in Central Asia and one of the largest in the world.

Khamis Mosque

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the ancient remains of an 11th-century mosque, featuring iconic twin minarets and a limestone mihrab slab.

4.6
(824 reviews)

"One of the best historical landmarks in Bahrain, a must visit tourist place, its the oldest Mosque in Bahrain."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Admission! 💰

Entry to Khamis Mosque is completely free, making it an accessible historical site for all visitors.

Quick Visit Recommended ⏱️

This is a compact historical site; expect to spend around 20-30 minutes exploring the remains.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Minarets

Ancient Minarets

Main structure

Two iconic minarets stand as testaments to 11th-century Islamic architecture.

Limestone Mihrab Slab

Limestone Mihrab Slab

Prayer hall area

A beautifully carved limestone slab marking the prayer direction, a key historical artifact.

Historical Architecture

Historical Architecture

Entire site

Explore the remains of one of Bahrain's oldest mosques, offering a glimpse into the past.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit

Visit during cooler hours, especially midday, to avoid the heat. The site is small, so a quick visit is possible, but fewer crowds mean a more immersive historical experience. Check visitor center hours as they can vary.

Free Entry, but Limited Amenities

Enjoy free admission to this historical gem. While there's a visitor center with historical info, amenities like staff presence can be inconsistent. Plan for a short, self-guided exploration.

Best Times

When
Early morning or late afternoon
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer visitors
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Bahrain cultural visit, suggestions?

Free Admission! 💰

Entry to Khamis Mosque is completely free, making it an accessible historical site for all visitors. Reddit

Quick Visit Recommended ⏱️

This is a compact historical site; expect to spend around 20-30 minutes exploring the remains. Reddit

Photography Friendly 📸

Ideal for photography enthusiasts looking to capture unique historical architecture. Reddit

Check Visitor Center Hours ℹ️

The visitor center may have limited hours, especially during holidays or Ramadan. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Admission! 💰

Entry to Khamis Mosque is completely free, making it an accessible historical site for all visitors. Reddit

Quick Visit Recommended ⏱️

This is a compact historical site; expect to spend around 20-30 minutes exploring the remains. Reddit

Photography Friendly 📸

Ideal for photography enthusiasts looking to capture unique historical architecture. Reddit

Check Visitor Center Hours ℹ️

The visitor center may have limited hours, especially during holidays or Ramadan. Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟

While not extensive, you'll be walking on historical grounds, so comfortable footwear is advised.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(824 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Khamis Mosque as a significant historical landmark and one of Bahrain's oldest mosques, appreciating its free entry and unique architecture, especially the twin minarets. Some note the site is small and amenities like the visitor center can be inconsistent, with staff sometimes absent.

"Remains of oldest masjid in Bahrain..visitors center was closed , maybe due to Ramadan opening hours .."

Milena May

"A nice, well-organized historical mosque. It’s not a big place you will spend half an hour maximum. There is a small museum but staff was not there when I was visiting. No tickets for entry it’s totally free!"

خولة أحمد

"One of the best historical landmarks in Bahrain , a must visit tourist place , its the oldest Mosque in Bahrain and one of the best tourist locations. A must visit for photography lovers to capture some nice historical architecture.Such a beautiful, historic gem in the middle of Bahrain. We went during the day and it was hot and humid and we were the only people there. We didn’t spend more than 20 minutes there but we absolutely loved it."

Munawwar N K

What People Like

Historical significance
Free entry
Unique architecture

What People Dislike

Small site size
Limited amenities
Inconsistent staff presence

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Khamis Mosque is located in the Riffa area of Bahrain. It's accessible by car, with limited parking available at the entrance. Taxis or ride-sharing services are also convenient options for reaching the site. Reddit

While direct public transport routes might be limited, you can often reach the general Riffa area via bus and then take a short taxi ride to the mosque. It's advisable to check local bus schedules. Reddit

For ease and comfort, many visitors opt for a taxi or ride-sharing service directly to the mosque. This avoids any potential issues with parking or public transport connections. Reddit

Yes, Khamis Mosque is a well-known historical landmark and is generally easy to locate in Riffa. GPS navigation will guide you directly to the site. Reddit

Depending on your starting point, walking might be possible, but it's not typically considered a walkable distance from major tourist hubs. Driving or taking a taxi is recommended. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Khamis Mosque is completely free of charge. You can explore the historical remains without any admission fee. Reddit

The mosque is generally open, but the visitor center may have specific hours, which can vary. Some reviews suggest it's open between 12 PM and 5 PM, but it's best to check locally. Reddit

There is no entrance fee for Masjid Al Khamis. It's a public historical site accessible to everyone without cost. Reddit

While the site itself is accessible, the visitor center and any staff presence might be limited to specific hours. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours. Reddit

No booking or reservation is required to visit Khamis Mosque. It's a walk-in historical site. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see the remains of the 11th-century mosque, including its distinctive twin minarets and a limestone mihrab slab. There's also a small visitor center with historical information. Reddit

Most visitors spend around 20 to 30 minutes at Khamis Mosque, as it's a relatively small historical site. Reddit

No, Khamis Mosque is no longer used for prayer. It is preserved as a historical monument. Reddit

Guided tours are not typically advertised. The visitor center may offer some information, but it's largely a self-guided experience. Reddit

Facilities are minimal. There's a visitor center, but staff presence can be inconsistent. Restrooms might not be readily available. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The twin minarets and the intricate details of the limestone mihrab slab offer excellent photographic opportunities. The overall historical architecture is also very photogenic. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed at Khamis Mosque. It's a popular spot for history and architecture enthusiasts to capture images. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlight the textures of the ancient stone, making it ideal for photography. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to be discreet with tripods at historical sites to avoid obstructing other visitors. Check for any posted signage. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted at historical and cultural sites in Bahrain. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless officially authorized. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Khamis Mosque is a quick and free historical stop for families. While it's not an interactive museum, children can appreciate the ancient structures and imagine life centuries ago. The open space allows for some freedom of movement, but supervision is key due to the historical nature of the site. Reddit

Keep the visit brief, focusing on the unique minarets and the idea of it being one of the oldest mosques. It's a good way to introduce kids to Bahrain's history without overwhelming them. Pack water and snacks, as amenities are limited. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers

For those keen on Bahrain's rich past, the Khamis Mosque is a must-visit. As one of the oldest mosques in the region, it offers a tangible connection to the area's Islamic heritage and architectural history. Spend time examining the 11th-century remnants, the twin minarets, and the limestone mihrab slab. Reddit

Consider visiting the nearby Bait Al Qura'an or Barbar Temple to create a more comprehensive cultural tour of Bahrain. The free entry makes it an easy addition to any historical itinerary. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Khamis Mosque presents a fantastic opportunity for photographers interested in historical architecture. The striking twin minarets against the sky, the textured limestone, and the ancient ruins offer compelling subjects. Reddit

Aim for visits during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon to capture the best light and shadows. The relatively uncrowded nature of the site (especially on weekdays) allows for unhurried composition and capturing unique angles. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Bahrain's Islamic Heritage

The Khamis Mosque (Masjid Al Khamis) is a significant historical landmark, representing one of the earliest Islamic structures in Bahrain. Dating back to the 11th century, it stands as a testament to the region's rich Islamic heritage and architectural evolution. The mosque's remains, particularly its twin minarets, are iconic and draw visitors interested in history and archaeology. Reddit

Originally built during the Umayyad or Abbasid periods, the mosque underwent several phases of construction and renovation. The current visible structure primarily dates from the 11th century, with later additions. It's important to note that the mosque is no longer an active place of worship but is preserved as a historical monument. The site offers a unique opportunity to connect with Bahrain's past and understand its early Islamic foundations. Reddit

Visitors can explore the remnants of the prayer hall and admire the distinctive architectural features. The limestone mihrab slab, which indicates the direction of Mecca, is a particularly noteworthy artifact. While the site is relatively small, its historical importance makes it a compelling stop for anyone interested in Bahrain's cultural landscape. Reddit

Exploring the Architecture and Restoration

The architecture of the Khamis Mosque is characterized by its simplicity and the enduring presence of its two prominent minarets. These minarets, a defining feature, showcase the architectural styles prevalent during the 11th century in the region. The use of local limestone is evident throughout the structure, giving it a distinct aesthetic. Reddit

Some sections of the mosque are covered with glass, which some visitors have noted without clear explanation. It's understood that this may be related to preservation efforts or the historical context of the site, possibly including its past use or proximity to burial grounds. The site has undergone restoration to preserve its historical integrity, though some areas might be off-limits during these processes. Reddit

For those interested in historical architecture, the Khamis Mosque provides a valuable insight into early Islamic mosque design in the Arabian Peninsula. The layout and surviving elements offer clues about the religious and social life of the time. Photography enthusiasts often find the interplay of light and shadow on the ancient stones particularly appealing. Reddit

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