Jamarat Bridge

The Jamarat Bridge is an architectural feat of Islamic engineering that makes it a must-see in the Islamic world. Located in Saudi Arabia, it's a bridge consisting of four levels, each with its own set of features that make it stand out from other structures.

Ground Level

The ground level consists of three cantilevered half-arches that provide support to the upper levels and help distribute weight evenly. At this level, there are also two intersections between the north side and south side of the bridge. It's here that pilgrims can find prayer mats, drinking fountains and toilets.

Second Level

On the second level, you'll find seven passageways that provide access to Mina Valley on one side and Muzdalifah on the other. The passageways are supported by the ground levels' cantilevered arches, offering protection from rainfall and making them safer for visitors to navigate through.

Third Level

At this level, visitors will be able to enjoy an awe-inspiring view of the bridge from a raised perspective. It also offers four passageways for easier movement between Mina Valley and Muzdalifah on both sides of the bridge.

Fourth Level

The fourth level here is where pilgrims can pay their respects by performing 'stoning' rituals with stones or pebbles. This ritual is meant to commemorate Abraham's attempt to protect his son Ishmael as they traveled through Mina Valley long ago (a story mentioned in both Jewish and Islamic scriptures).

•Situated in Mina, near Mecca, the Jamarat Bridge was built to modernize the pilgrimage tradition known as the Stoning of the Devil.

•It's made up of three superstructures located at three different levels and allows for more than 200,000 pilgrims to throw stones at each pillar at once.

•The bridge is flanked by two 210-meter-tall minarets that provide an imposing backdrop and a magnificent view of Mina and its surroundings.

•The bridge consists of columns and ramps in an arched pattern that stretches over 1 km wide and 375 m long.

Jamarat Bridge also features air conditioning systems, fire protection systems, public address systems, lighting towers and elevators to provide convenience and safety to pilgrims while they observe this sacred ritual.

Located in Saudi Arabia, this bridge spans over the valley of Mina and is a popular pilgrimage site for millions of Muslims during the Hajj. But did you know that it has a rich history? Let's take a deeper look at the history of Jamarat Bridge.

Jamarat Bridge has been around since ancient times, but it was not until before the Hajj in 2004 that it took on its current form. Over fifty pillars hold up the bridge, leading to three enormous columns that stand tall in the center of the Mina Valley. During the Hajj pilgrimage, pilgrims throw pebbles at these columns to symbolize rejecting evil.

The best time to visit Jamarat Bridge is during daylight hours, when you can get an unobstructed view and learn more about its history from local guides. The experience is particularly special when combined with a visit to Makkah, as well as other holy sites in Saudi Arabia like Mount Arafat and Muzdalifah.