Information
Landmark: Grand Mosque of SurabayaCity: Surabaya
Country: Indonesia
Continent: Asia
Grand Mosque of Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia, Asia
Overview
The Grand Mosque of Surabaya, or Masjid Al-Akbar Surabaya, is Indonesia’s second-largest mosque, just behind Jakarta’s towering Istiqlal Mosque.In South Surabaya, it stands as an iconic landmark, alive with the sound of prayers and the bustle of cultural gatherings.The mosque stands out for its sweeping architecture and vast, echoing halls, crowned by a blue-green dome that rises high over Surabaya’s skyline.The Grand Mosque of Surabaya, or Masjid Al-Akbar Surabaya, rises in Pagesangan, South Surabaya, East Java, and has welcomed up to 59,000 worshippers since its inauguration on November 10, 2000-Heroes’ Day-its sweeping domes blending modern Islamic design with touches of Javanese tradition; first proposed in 1995, the project broke ground a year later under Governor Soelarso, becoming a proud landmark for the city’s Muslim community.The 1997 Asian financial crisis slowed the work, but the mosque still rose, its doors opening to worshippers in 2000.They inaugurated it on Heroes’ Day, a moment that carried the weight of faith and unity in Indonesia’s past, like the steady beat of a drum in a crowded square.The mosque’s main dome rises in a sweep of blue-green tiles patterned with intricate geometry, ringed by smaller domes like quiet sentinels.Nearby, a slender minaret climbs 99 meters into the sky, each meter honoring one of the 99 names of Allah.Climb the minaret’s observation deck for sweeping views of Surabaya, where at sunset the city glows in warm gold; inside, the vast prayer hall shimmers with crystal chandeliers, its walls lined with delicate Islamic calligraphy and motifs, and the gilded marble mihrab draws the eye, while modern comforts-air-conditioning, elevators, and a spacious courtyard-blend seamlessly with traditional design, all surrounded by fragrant, landscaped gardens that offer quiet spaces for outdoor prayers, community gatherings, and festivals like Eid, alongside study programs, charity events, guided tours for visitors of all faiths, bustling shops, and food stalls serving local treats.Women are expected to cover their heads, while men should wear long pants; if you don’t have the right attire, the mosque usually offers robes and headscarves.A small fee grants access to the minaret’s observation deck, where the breeze carries the city’s sounds from far below.Nearby, you can visit the family-friendly Surabaya Zoo, the stately Tugu Pahlawan honoring the city’s fight for independence, or the modern City of Tomorrow Mall.For a more pleasant visit, come early in the morning or late in the afternoon to dodge the heat and crowds, take photos respectfully, and consider joining a guided tour to uncover the mosque’s history and striking architecture.With its gleaming dome, soaring minaret, and intricate interiors, the Grand Mosque of Surabaya offers not only breathtaking views but also a peaceful space for reflection and a deeper look into Indonesia’s Islamic heritage.Whether you’re chasing spiritual insight, tracing the city’s past, or just wandering with a camera in hand, this mosque stands as one of Surabaya’s unmissable treasures.