Jeddah, a historic city and a vibrant gateway to Saudi Arabia. The beautiful city holds a treasure trove of historical wonders and other attractions waiting to be explored. From centuries-old districts steeped in history to modern buildings, Jeddah offers an unforgettable experience. Located 65 km from Makkah and 360 km from Madinah, the city is a commercial hub of the Kingdom. With the largest and second busiest airport in the Middle East, Jeddah is a true delight for tourists. The city is home to various beautiful mosques, ancient palaces and forts, museums, and vibrant markets. Then there is the lovely old Jeddah city thriving to become an engineering and technological leader in the Kingdom. 

If you are a history buff and love to explore Islamic historical places, Jeddah will not disappoint you. The city is also known for its historical places. The city is growing day and night, expanding its territories towards the Red Sea coastline to make it the coastal city connected with the rest of the world through the sea. Here are some of the most splendid historical attractions of Jeddah: 

Historical Places In Jeddah

The Floating Mosque

Whether you're in Jeddah for leisure or as a stopover during your Umrah journey, make the most of your time and ask your travel organizer to include a Jeddah city tour in your itinerary. Umrah Companions, with their extensive experience in arranging Umrah trips, also provide exceptional tour and travel options for both pilgrims and tourists. 

The Floating Mosque, seemingly suspended over the Red Sea, is a sight to behold. Offering breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset, this magnificent mosque welcomes pilgrims and travelers alike. It also serves as a resting place for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. The grand white dome of the mosque symbolizes spirituality, while the intricately carved Quranic verses on its 56 windows add to its allure. To fully experience the mosque's beauty day and night, there are several hotels nearby, such as the Holiday Inn Jeddah - Al Hamra, an IHG Hotel, Red Sea Seasons Hotel Suites, and Hyatt House Jeddah Sari Street.

Khuzam Palace and Museum

A remarkable architectural wonder can be found in the Al-Nuzlah al-Yamaniyah quarter in southern Jeddah. This palace proudly showcases the region's history, housing artifacts from pre-Islamic cultures and even pieces dating back to the Stone Age. Once the residence of King Abdulaziz, the first King of Saudi Arabia, the palace is constructed of iron and cement, an innovative combination for its time. It also serves as a museum, drawing in numerous visitors and history enthusiasts with its collection of historical items and artifacts. The museum is spread across two floors and six halls. Surrounding the palace are 3-meter-high walls, flanked by two towers on either side of the main gate.

Farsi Mosque

The stunning Farsi Mosque is located on a small island near Jeddah Corniche. This modern architectural masterpiece seamlessly combines contemporary and Islamic design elements, creating a peaceful setting for communal prayers. The mosque's distinctive design features open vaulted domes and shaded window screens, making it one of the most beautiful landmarks in Jeddah. Its unique architecture also facilitates indoor lighting and helps regulate the mosque's temperature. Every year, thousands of Muslims come to the mosque to participate in congregational prayers.

Abdula Raouf Khalil Museum

Spanning across several buildings, the museum meticulously preserves the rich Islamic heritage dating back over 2,500 years. Its collection includes artifacts from the Ottoman Turks and captivating pieces from local fishing tribes, providing a comprehensive showcase of the region's diverse cultural history.

Makkah Gate or Babb

The Makkah Gate, built in 1979, is a popular Islamic historical site in Jeddah that served as an entry point to the holy city of Makkah. It welcomes pilgrims and offers a stunning view at night with a beautiful landscape adorned with gardens and trees. The architect of the gate was Samir Elbad, and Dia Aziz Dia designed it. The construction resembles an arch over the road. It consists of three primary parts – two wings stretching from the premises to meet above the road, an open book above the road, and two premises on either side of the road, with the holy Quran sitting on a rehal stand. 

A market near the gate features malls, shops, and developing markets where one can buy authentic traditional items such as clothes, jewelry, accessories, and household decorative items. Small restaurants here are renowned for serving authentic Arabic cuisine, including makadim, raas mandi, Bukhari rice with lamb’s skull, kibdah, and more.

Historical Jeddah or Al Balad

The historical district of old Jeddah, also known as Al-Balad, is a captivating area with intricate maze-like streets and ancient laneways that offer a glimpse into the rich history of past civilizations. Two must-visit attractions in this area are Bait Al Balad and Nassif House Museum, both of which provide an immersive experience of Jeddah's history, its people, and the art of Arabic calligraphy. In 2014, historical Jeddah was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural and historical significance. The Misk Historic Jeddah event, held annually, celebrates the heritage of Al-Balad and features a range of engaging activities for both children and adults.

Closing Note

According to historical records from the Ministry of Hajj, Jeddah has a rich history that spans more than 2500 years. The city has long been a bustling center of trade, even before the Islamic era. Throughout its history, Jeddah has endured numerous conflicts and wars, including the Siege of Jeddah, the Ottoman–Saudi War, and the Revolt during World War I.

Today, Jeddah is a city that seamlessly blends spiritual serenity with a vibrant atmosphere, offering visitors a plethora of tourist attractions and historical sites to explore. Conveniently located near King Abdulaziz Airport, the city provides easy access to both domestic and international flights, making it an accessible destination for travelers. Additionally, Jeddah boasts well-developed road connections to other major cities in the kingdom, such as Dammam, Makkah, and Riyadh.

For those seeking accommodation and dining options, Jeddah offers a wide array of high-quality hotels and restaurants to cater to diverse preferences. To make the most of their visit, tourists are encouraged to keep an eye out for upcoming events in Jeddah and plan their trip accordingly, ensuring a truly memorable experience.