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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Khamis Mosque
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the ancient remains of an 11th-century mosque, featuring iconic twin minarets and a limestone mihrab slab.
"One of the best historical landmarks in Bahrain, a must visit tourist place, its the oldest Mosque in Bahrain."
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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Minarets
Main structure
Two iconic minarets stand as testaments to 11th-century Islamic architecture.
Limestone Mihrab Slab
Prayer hall area
A beautifully carved limestone slab marking the prayer direction, a key historical artifact.

Historical Architecture
Entire site
Explore the remains of one of Bahrain's oldest mosques, offering a glimpse into the past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Free Entry, but Limited Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bahrain cultural visit, suggestions?
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.
Photography Friendly 📸
Ideal for photography enthusiasts looking to capture unique historical architecture.
Check Visitor Center Hours ℹ️
The visitor center may have limited hours, especially during holidays or Ramadan.
Tips
from all over the internet
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.
Photography Friendly 📸
Ideal for photography enthusiasts looking to capture unique historical architecture.
Check Visitor Center Hours ℹ️
The visitor center may have limited hours, especially during holidays or Ramadan.
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
While not extensive, you'll be walking on historical grounds, so comfortable footwear is advised.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Khamis Mosque is completely free of charge. You can explore the historical remains without any admission fee.
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.
There is no entrance fee for Masjid Al Khamis. It's a public historical site accessible to everyone without cost.
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.
No booking or reservation is required to visit Khamis Mosque. It's a walk-in historical site.
🎫 🧭 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.
Most visitors spend around 20 to 30 minutes at Khamis Mosque, as it's a relatively small historical site.
No, Khamis Mosque is no longer used for prayer. It is preserved as a historical monument.
Guided tours are not typically advertised. The visitor center may offer some information, but it's largely a self-guided experience.
Facilities are minimal. There's a visitor center, but staff presence can be inconsistent. Restrooms might not be readily available.
📸 📸 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.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Khamis Mosque. It's a popular spot for history and architecture enthusiasts to capture images.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlight the textures of the ancient stone, making it ideal for photography.
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.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical and cultural sites in Bahrain. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless officially authorized.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers
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.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Bahrain's Islamic Heritage
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.
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.
Exploring the Architecture and Restoration
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit