Religious site
Great Mosque of Samarra
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The Great Mosque of Samarra, built in the 9th century by Caliph al-Mutawakkil, is renowned for its massive scale and unique spiral minaret, the Malwiya. The minaret, a 52-meter-high cone with a spiraling ramp, offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The mosque's prayer hall once accommodated up to 80,000 worshippers, though only the outer walls and minaret remain today. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it exemplifies Abbasid architectural innovation.
Don't miss
- Climb the spiral ramp of the Malwiya minaret for sweeping views of Samarra.
- Explore the vast remains of the prayer hall, one of the largest ever built.
- Walk along the restored outer walls, noting the decorative brickwork and arches.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Great Mosque of Samarra
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inA City Tour Of Samarkand: The Pearl Of The East5★ · 205 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$17 per personSee dates →
Best full dayDubai To Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Tower4.9★ · 10,178 travelers9–10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$89 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleEpic surf-lessons at beautiful Samara beach.5★ · 126 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$60 per personSee dates →More attractions in Samarra