Mosques of Malé (Old Friday Mosque & Grand Mosque)

Where it is & how to get there

• On foot: Both are in central Malé, a short walk from the ferry terminal.
• Visiting: Non-Muslim visitors may need permission for the Old Friday Mosque; Muslims can pray at the Grand Mosque.
• Dress: Modest dress is required: cover shoulders and knees; women cover their hair to enter.

The story of the mosques of Malé

The Maldives embraced Islam in 1153 AD. The Hukuru Miskiy (Old Friday Mosque) was built in 1658 from coral stone carved with Quranic inscriptions and intricate patterns, and is among the finest examples of coral-stone architecture in the world.

Nearby, the Grand Friday Mosque of the Islamic Centre, opened in 1984, has a golden dome visible across Malé and can hold thousands of worshippers.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Dress modestly.
• Pray Jumu'ah at the Grand Friday Mosque if you are in Malé on a Friday.
• Admire the carved coral stone of the Old Friday Mosque.

What's around the mosques of Malé

• Sultan ParkGardens beside the mosques.
• Medhu ZiyaaraiyShrine of the scholar credited with bringing Islam.
• Malé Fish MarketLively market.
• Republic SquareWaterfront square.

Questions travellers ask