Madinah, known as the “City of the Prophet,” has long been considered among the Kingdom’s most enchanting and spiritual cities. Located in Western Saudi Arabia, in the Hejaz or holy land of Islam, Madinah's cultural heritage dates back over 1,500 years. It is perhaps best-known today as the place where Prophet Muhammad escaped to in 622 CE during his Hijrah or “migration” from Mecca to escape persecution.
It is also the city where the Prophet is buried inside the Al Masjid an Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque). Apart from Medina’s great religious significance, the metropolis is the fourth most populous city in the Kingdom and offers a range of outdoor adventures and cultural attractions that bring visitors and residents deep into its history and natural beauty.
1. Mount Uhud
This prominent mountain north of Madinah (also known as Medina) is 1,077 meters high and 7.5km long, and was the site of the second battle between the Prophet Muhammad and his followers and the Quraysh, the majority of which were polytheists. Visitors can explore the mountain’s numerous trails and visit various historical and religious sites dotted throughout the landscape.
Nearly one hundred of Prophet Muhammad’s companions were martyred in the battle and those who visit the mountain today can still pay tribute to them at Uhud Martyrs Cemetery. Make your way up to the top of the mountain, which is steep but suitable for most ages, and admire the surrounding natural beauty. While Medina has undergone great urban development in recent years, the mountain remains preserved even if it is encircled by modern roads and neighbourhoods.
It’s also worth visiting Archers’ Hill, located in front of Mount Uhud and also known as Jabal al-Rumah and Jabal Ainain. During the Battle of Uhud, dozens of archers deserted the Prophet’s commands, thinking the battle was over, and went to collect their spoils only to be attacked by the Meccan army and killed. Muslims visit the site as a tribute to the martyrs but also to acknowledge the consequences of not following the commands of the Prophet. After a hike up the mountains, visitors can enjoy delicious local Arabic cuisine in one of several restaurants located nearby.
2. Cave of Bani Haram
This enchanting site, also known as the Ghar al-Bani Haram, is a historical cave located west of Mount Sila and approximately 3km northwest of the Prophet’s Mosque. Standing on the side of a small mountain and accessible by foot, the entrance to the cave is a small opening.
According to Islamic records, it was within the cave that the Prophet and Abu Bakr, a close companion of the Prophet, took shelter and hid from their pursuers. Visitors can spend time in the cave, which is often visited by Muslim pilgrims each year who describe feelings of peace and tranquility within it. The cave is also in the area where the Bedouin Bani of the al-Khazarj tribe lived.
Nearby is the charming Mosque of Bani Haram, believed to be the place the Prophet stopped for prayer before digging a trench during what is known as the Battle of the Ditch in 627 CE, leading Meccans to recognise the political and religious might of the Muslim community in Medina. Alongside its historical significance, the area has a pristine natural beauty that is immediately calming and peaceful.
3. Wadi al-Jinn
This mountainous natural valley, known as the “Valley of the Jinns,” or “spirits” as the word is translated from Arabic, is famous for its breathtaking rocky landscape. Visitors from around the world have long flocked to the valley and spent nights at campsites within its rocky landscape.
It has also lured many curious travellers – the valley is aptly named due to the legend of mystical and eerie voices or spirits that dwell in the area that have been mentioned in both Islamic and pre-Islamic Arabian folklore. However, the Al Madinah Regional Development Authority stated in 2020 that there was no spiritual presence in the valley. For any visitor to Medina, Wadi Al-Jinn’s natural beauty is worth experiencing. Its captivating rocky terrain with profound desert landscapes is mesmerising and shrouded in mystery, wonder, history and myth.
4. Jabal Ayr
At 955 meters in height, Jabal Ayr is the second largest mountain in Madina after Uhud and just around 7km from the Prophet’s Mosque. A popular hiking location, visitors can opt for an adventurous rock climb or a hiking excursion to the top where one can marvel at unparalleled views of the surrounding vicinity and the city of Medina itself.
Today the mountain serves as a popular outdoor getaway from Medina where you can relish in the beauty of the region's natural surroundings. It’s also the focus of a new development project as part of Vision 2030, which is tasked with preserving and developing historical and cultural assets in the Kingdom. The goal is to provide more facilities for visitors to enhance their enjoyment of the site while also protecting it.
