Marvel at the mixture of Andalusian and Arabic styles in the design and architectural details of this important mosque in southern Spain.
The King Abdul Aziz Mosque sits on a hill overlooking Marbella’s Golden Mile, which is a long stretch of beautiful beaches flanked by luxurious properties. This Islamic place of worship was constructed in 1981 and is a gleaming white building surrounded by gardens. Although it is not open to the general public, it is worth spending a few minutes here to appreciate the beauty of the Andalusian-inspired architecture.
The mosque is named after the founder of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. His reign lasted for 21 years, from 1932 to 1953. The mosque can accommodate approximately 800 worshippers and features housing for the Imam, manicured gardens and a library that can hold thousands of volumes.
Wander through the courtyard and pause for a few moments of reflection by the water feature. Look over the whitewashed building with its tiled entrance and walls that are crowned by serrated merlons. Gaze up at the minaret which is topped by a symbol of a crescent moon. Among the mosque's other notable features is the large dome which is 39 feet (12 meters) in diameter.
If you are able to venture inside this landmark structure, look up into the dome to see the colorful design of its windows and the magnificent bronze lamp that hangs from its center.
After your visit, explore the surrounding area with a stroll along the Golden Mile, which actually extends for several miles. Along the route, you will pass close to luxury villas, prestigious hotels and fabulous beaches. Make a point of coming back to the mosque at night to see it illuminated against the dark sky. It is an awesome sight.
Find the King Abdul Aziz Mosque on the main road that connects Puerto Banús with Marbella. The drive from either of these coastal destinations only takes a few minutes.
