Mosques have existed for more than a millennium as places of worship for Muslims all around the world. To this day, the beauty and rich history of these sacred places continues to inspire visitors. We list 5 stunning mosques from all over the world that will take your breath away.

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque

Robert Byron once said that the city of Isfahan in Iran was beautiful enough to rival Athens and Rome, yet due to its geographical distance from the Western world, it is seldom explored. It is the location of the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque built between 1602 and 1619 during the reign of Shah Abbas I, an architectural masterpiece and a multi-functional space that is also home to royal caravanserai, baths, a royal mint and a hospital.

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Ghal-e-Tabarok, Isfahan, Iran

This photo of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is courtesy of Tripadvisor

Aqsunqur Mosque

Building, Mosque

Dating back to the 14th century, the Aqsunqur Mosque stands proudly in the Egyptian capital, Cairo. Reflecting a clear Ottoman style, complete with typical Iznik tiles in the shapes of cypress trees and tulips in vases, the mosque also contains the mausoleums of its founder, Shams El-Din Aqsunqur, and his numerous sons.

Great Mosque of Mecca

The Great Mosque of Mecca, commonly known as al-Masjid al-Ḥarām (Arabic: اَلْمَسْجِدُ ٱلْحَرَامُ‎, romanized: al-Masjid al-Ḥarām, lit. ‘The Sacred Mosque’), is a mosque that surrounds the Kaaba in the city of Mecca, in the Hejazi region of Saudi Arabia. It is a site of pilgrimage for the Hajj, which every Muslim must do at least once in their lives if able, and is also the main phase for the ʿUmrah, the lesser pilgrimage that can be undertaken any time of the year. The rites of both pilgrimages include circumambulating the Kaaba within the mosque. The Great Mosque includes other important significant sites, including the Black Stone, the Zamzam Well, Maqam Ibrahim, and the hills of Safa and Marwa.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

UAE’s capital is home to a brilliant white mosque that boasts the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, created by over 12,000 artisans, and a 12-tonne crystal chandelier. Located in opulent Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a reflection of the religious tastes of the royal family. With a total of 82 domes and over 1,000 columns, the mosque’s grand beauty is also amplified by the reflective pools surrounding it.