The site of the Battle of Uhud (625) beneath the red-brown Mount Uhud, with the cemetery of the martyrs including Hamza. Women do not enter the cemetery; the foot of the mountain and the Archers' Hill viewpoint are open to all visitors.
Mount Uhud rises in the north of Madinah, Saudi Arabia, a long ridge of red-brown granite that dominates the skyline along Abdullah Ibn Jubair Street in the Ash Shuhada district. It is the site of the Battle of Uhud in 625 CE, and at its foot lies the Uhud Martyrs' Cemetery, where Hamza, the Prophet's uncle, and other companions who died in the battle are buried. The cemetery is enclosed by a wall and can be viewed from the road; women do not enter the cemetery, while the foot of the mountain and the Archers' Hill viewpoint are open to all visitors.
Visitors see a flat plain, the stark ridge behind it, and the low rocky hill where the archers were posted, marked by a small plaque and railing. Guides and informal vendors often gather in the area, selling dates, prayer items and souvenirs. A typical visit lasts 45 to 90 minutes, enough to view the cemetery from the road, walk to Archers' Hill, and photograph the mountain from the open ground in front of it.
The best photo angles are from the plain looking toward the ridge in the morning, when the rock takes on a deep red tone and the heat is still manageable. By midday the exposed ground becomes very hot, so morning is the recommended time. Crowds build around the cemetery during the Hajj and Umrah seasons and in the evenings, when tour buses call here after the Seven Mosques and Quba. Weekdays outside pilgrimage seasons are noticeably calmer.
The area is reached by taxi or ride-hailing app for about SAR 20-30 from the centre, or on the Madinah Hop-On Hop-Off bus, which stops at Uhud. Modest dress is expected, and visitors should be respectful near the cemetery wall.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open all day; cemetery viewable from the road |
| Typical visit | 45 to 90 minutes |
| Best time | Morning, before the heat |
| Getting there | Taxi or Uber about SAR 20-30 (~$5-8); Madinah Hop-On Hop-Off bus stop |
| Address | Abdullah Ibn Jubair Street, Ash Shuhada, Madinah |
Location
Abdullah Ibn Jubair Street, Ash Shuhada, Madinah
24.5037, 39.6118 View on map
Highlights
- The red-brown granite ridge of Mount Uhud above the battlefield plain
- Uhud Martyrs' Cemetery, final resting place of Hamza, viewable from the road
- Archers' Hill viewpoint, open to all visitors
- Morning light on the ridge, ideal for photographs
Tips for visiting
- Arrive in the morning before the heat builds on the exposed plain.
- Women do not enter the cemetery; the cemetery can be viewed from the road.
- Taxi or ride-hailing from central Madinah costs about SAR 20-30.
- Bring water and a hat, as there is little shade at Archers' Hill.
- Agree on prices before buying from roadside vendors.
When to visit
Morning before the heat gives the best light and comfort. Pilgrimage seasons and evenings are busiest.
Accessibility
The plain and roadside viewing areas are mostly level and reachable by vehicle. The slope up Archers' Hill is rocky and uneven, so it may be difficult for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Uhud take?
Most visitors spend 45 to 90 minutes, covering the cemetery view, Archers' Hill and photographs.
Can women visit the cemetery?
Women do not enter the cemetery, but they can view it from the road and visit the foot of the mountain and Archers' Hill.
Is photography allowed?
Photographing the mountain and landscape is common. Visitors should be discreet near the cemetery and avoid photographing people.
Is Uhud suitable for children?
Yes, the open ground is easy for families, though the heat makes morning visits best.