Old Friday Mosque, due to its peaceful premises, is a great stop to make when you want a little bit of serenity after days of pleasuring and seeking adventure at a resort such as the Kurumba Maldives. This beautifully designed temple has not been built from scratch but rather from the remains of a former temple as far back as the 1650’s and is the oldest mosque in the whole of the Maldives islands.
Being built from coral has its challenges and it is for this reason that the mosque is obviously protected from the harsh substances by use of an iron roof but what deserves praise and a whole lot of stunned admiration is the wonderful carvings that have been made into the stone walls. A few trees stand outside the perimeter adding a further calm to the entire area. As you step in, you will find yourself face to face with some truly intricate wood carvings and lacquer work of which this sacred location is perhaps best known for.
There’s not a place within the mosque that you do not come across without seeing the wonderful traditional crafts of Maldives. From the low walls and windows to the ceiling, the mosque is decorated with brilliant wooden arrangements. Do keep in mind that this is still a place of worship so the beach clothes you wore at your Maldives resort would not be appropriate; modest clothing is indeed a prerequisite if you choose to enter. Being a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is must-visit for history lovers who are interested in learning about Maldives’ roots, culture, and early architecture.
