A cluster of small mosques at the foot of Mount Sala' near the trench dug for the Battle of the Trench (627). Visitors can walk around the compound and the hill below.
The Seven Mosques, known in Arabic as Al-Masajid as-Sab'ah, are a cluster of small mosques in the Al-Khandaq district of northwest Madinah, Saudi Arabia, at the foot of Mount Sala'. The area is associated with the Battle of the Trench in 627 CE, when the defenders of Madinah dug a ditch to hold off a larger confederate army. The name of the district, Al-Khandaq, means the trench.
Visitors find a compound of modest whitewashed mosques rather than seven grand buildings, each linked by tradition to a companion of the Prophet or to a position in the battle. Some are small prayer rooms, and a new, larger mosque stands nearby. Stairs and paths lead up the slope of Mount Sala', which gives wide views over the surrounding city, and a cave on the hill is also pointed out by guides. Prayer halls are for Muslims, while the compound and the hill below can be walked by other visitors.
A visit usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes. The best photo angles are from the lower terraces looking up at the cluster of domes, and from the upper steps of Mount Sala' looking back at the city. Late afternoon is a good time, as the stone turns golden and the heat eases; midday can be harsh and exposed. The compound is busiest in the evening when tour buses arrive after Quba and Uhud, and during Ramadan, Hajj and Umrah, while early mornings are calm.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps cost about SAR 15-25 from central Madinah, and the Hop-On Hop-Off bus has a stop at the site. Modest dress is expected, and visitors should be wary of overly insistent souvenir sellers near the entrance.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Typical visit | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Best time | Late afternoon |
| Getting there | Taxi or Uber about SAR 15-25 (~$4-7); Madinah Hop-On Hop-Off bus stop |
| Address | Al Khandaq, Madinah |
Location
Al Khandaq, Madinah
24.4772, 39.5950 View on map
Highlights
- A cluster of small mosques tied to the Battle of the Trench in 627 CE
- Climb on the slope of Mount Sala' for views over Madinah
- Whitewashed domes that photograph well in late-afternoon light
- Convenient Hop-On Hop-Off bus stop
Tips for visiting
- Go in the late afternoon for softer light and cooler air.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the steps and paths on Mount Sala'.
- Taxi or ride-hailing from the centre costs about SAR 15-25.
- Prayer rooms are for Muslims; the compound and hill are open to others.
- Combine with Masjid al-Qiblatayn and Quba on one circuit.
When to visit
Late afternoon gives better light and cooler temperatures. Evenings and pilgrimage seasons are the busiest.
Accessibility
The main compound is mostly level, but paths and steps up Mount Sala' are uneven and not suited to wheelchairs. Limited ramps serve some of the mosques.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend 30 to 45 minutes walking the compound and the lower slope.
Are there really seven mosques?
The name refers to a group of small mosques traditionally linked to the battle, though the number standing today differs and a larger modern mosque has been added.
Is photography allowed?
Photography of the exterior and viewpoints is common. Visitors should avoid photographing worshippers.
Is it worth it for kids?
Children can enjoy the open space and the hill, though the history is best suited to older visitors.