Medina

Fast Facts

Location: Located in the Hejaz region in western Saudi Arabia.
Attraction Type: City.
Significance: The second holiest city in Islam.
Best time to Visit: Can be visited throughout the year.
How to Reach: Direct flights are available from various destinations around the Middle East. You can also take Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) from various parts of the country to reach Medina. Pilgrims' buses are also available from Jeddah.
Nearest Airport: Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport (MED).

It is the burial place of the Prophet Muhammad, it has got huge historical significance for being the home of Muhammad after the Hijrah, and it is the second holiest city in Islam — Medina has got a lot of reasons to be in. It was the city of Medina where Muhammad fled to when he was thrown out of Mecca. Later he taught there for a few years before his triumphant return to Mecca. The home of “The Prophet's Mosque”, the city of Medina, they say, must be visited at least once in their lifetime by the Muslims.

A city in the Hejaz region in western Saudi Arabia, Medina is a destination only for the Muslims. Once an oasis city of 6th century BCE when the place was known as Yathrib, the place later became known as Madinat(u) 'n-Nabiy or Al-Madinat(u) 'l-Munawwarah, which means “the enlightened city” or “the radiant city”. Later, it became the second holiest city of Islam after Mecca. This oval-shaped city is surrounded by a secured wall with a height of 30 to 40 feet. There are low houses, yards, plantations and gardens beyond the walls of the city. The walls and gates are also quite common in these suburbs.

Things to Do

Like Mecca, you can only enter into the city of Medina if you are a Muslim. One gets a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Islam by exploring the city. The Prophet's Mosque or the Masjid Nabawi is the biggest attraction of Medina. Only men are allowed to enter into the site, whereas women are permitted to visit only after the Fajr or dawn and Duhr or afternoon prayers. Devout Muslims offer prayer here.

Also visit the huge graveyard Jannatul Baqi, located close to the mosque. The plains and mountain of Uhud should also be seen. The burial ground of 70 martyrs is a popular attraction as well.

Accommodation

There is no dearth of options for accommodation in Medina. You can choose from a range of hotels in Medina that would suit your budget. Some of the hotels in Medina can be listed as below:

Hilton Madinah
King Fahd St.
Medina, Saudi Arabia

Anwar Al Madinah Moevenpick Hotel
P.O. Box 41340
Central Zone
Medina, Saudi Arabia

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