Great Mosque of Sana'a

The Great Mosque of Sana'a is one of the oldest mosques in the world, founded in the early Islamic period within the walled old city and expanded over the centuries. Its large courtyard is surrounded by columned prayer halls whose ceilings preserve painted and carved decoration of great age. A famous cache of early Qur'anic manuscripts was found in its roof space, making it important to scholars of the text's history. Visitors can view the ancient arcades, the flat-roofed prayer halls, and a small domed structure in the courtyard.