King Abdullah I Mosque

The King Abdullah I Mosque is the blue-domed landmark that dominates the skyline around Abdali. It was built between 1982 and 1989 by King Hussein as a memorial to his grandfather, King Abdullah I, the founder of modern Jordan. Its single dome is capped with blue mosaic tiles, and the prayer hall beneath can hold about 7,000 worshippers, with room for another 3,000 in the courtyard, according to Jordan's tourism board.

For visitors, the appeal lies in being able to step inside. The mosque is run by the Ministry of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs and Holy Places, and unlike many mosques in the region it is used to receiving tourists. That makes it a good introduction to Islamic architecture and religious practice for first-time visitors to the Middle East, and the scale of the space beneath the dome is impressive.

Modest dress is required. Men should wear long trousers, and women need to cover their head, arms and legs. A hooded gown is provided free of charge for anyone who needs one. Remove your shoes before entering the prayer hall, keep your voice low and avoid walking in front of people who are praying. Avoid the five daily prayer times, and especially Friday midday prayers, the busiest time of the week.

The mosque suits curious travellers of all ages, and a visit takes around 30 to 45 minutes. Families are welcome, though children should be kept quiet inside the prayer hall. If you are unsure about timings on the day, ask at the entrance, where gowns are handed out. Dress in loose, layered clothing so that the gown is comfortable over the top on a warm day. The courtyard and exterior are also worth a slow walk around, since the scale of the dome is easiest to appreciate from outside. It is especially photogenic in the late afternoon, when the sun lights the blue dome against the pale stone of the surrounding buildings. If you take photographs, be discreet and never photograph worshippers without asking.

The mosque is in Abdali, a short taxi ride from Downtown and Jabal Amman. It combines well with the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts and Darat al Funun in nearby Jabal al-Weibdeh, and with the modern Abdali Boulevard development for shopping and cafés afterwards.