When planning on visiting madinah, the first destination that comes to mind is undoubtedly Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi. As the crown jewel among historical places in madinah and one of the most sacred holy places to visit in madinah, its story is deeply intertwined with the history of saudi arabia.
Imagine standing in a room the size of a small apartment — one room, a few palm-trunk columns, and a roof of woven palm leaves that let the rain in. That was Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi when the Prophet (PBUH) built it with his own hands in 622 CE. Today, this magnificent structure in medina saudi arabia holds over a million and a half people at once, making it a must-see for anyone looking for things to do in madinah.
Historical Size Evolution (Pre-Saudi Era)
For anyone exploring madina tourist places, understanding the mosque’s history is essential. The mosque grew significantly over 1,200 years, transforming from a small structure to a massive complex by the end of the Ottoman period.
| Period / Era | Event | Approximate Size |
| 622 CE | Original construction by the Prophet (PBUH) | 1,050 m² |
| 629 CE | First expansion by the Prophet (PBUH) | Doubled in size |
| Caliphate Eras | Expansions by Umar, Uthman, Umayyads, and Abbasids | Continuous growth |
| Start of Saudi Era | Size inherited from the Ottoman era (19th century) | 10,000 m² |
The Three Major Saudi Expansions
1. First Saudi Expansion (1951–1955)
The modern era brought unprecedented changes to al madinah al munawwarah, led by the kings of saudi arabia. The rapid development of the mosque is a testament to the modern saudi arabia kingdom.
2. Second Saudi Expansion (1984–1994)
Launched by King Fahd, this was the largest expansion in history at that time. It introduced the iconic architectural identity known today. To combat the hot madinah weather and regulate the temperature in madinah, this expansion introduced air conditioning via floors and the famous retractable umbrellas.
3. Third Saudi Expansion (2012–Ongoing)
Launched by King Abdullah, this phase focuses on the northern section to reach unprecedented capacities, ensuring that al madinah can welcome millions of pilgrims comfortably.
| Expansion | Period | Key Features | Capacity / Size |
| First Expansion | 1951 – 1955 | Reinforced concrete, modern structural rebuilding. | 16,327 m² |
| Second Expansion | 1984 – 1994 | 250 retractable umbrellas, underground parking, air conditioning via floors, escalators. | 98,500 m² (Interior) / 1M+ Worshippers |
| Third Expansion | 2012 – Ongoing | Massive northern expansion, luxury hotel integration. | Target: 1.6M (Inside) + 1.2M (Plazas) |
Key Statistics: The Retractable Umbrellas
If you are wondering what to see in madinah, the mechanical umbrellas in the mosque’s courtyard are an engineering marvel designed to provide shade during the sunny weather in madinah today.
- Total Units: 250 umbrellas.
- Weight: Each unit weighs approximately 11 tonnes.
- Coverage: Each umbrella covers 625 m².
- Function: Designed like mechanical flowers to open in the morning and close at night.
The Local Perspective
For those searching for the best places to visit in madinah, it is important to note that Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi is not just a “historical monument” but a “living building.” The pace of expansion has accelerated dramatically: while it took 1,200 years to reach 10,000 m², the Saudi era multiplied that size by ten in less than a century.
Whether you are looking for places to visit in madinah during umrah or simply adding to your list of 30 places to visit in madinah, the Prophet’s Mosque remains the beating heart of almadinah almunawarah.