Shah Faisal Mosque

The dazzling Shah Faisal Mosque, settled at the foot of the Margalla Hills, is one of Asia's biggest and mirrors a varied mix of ultramodern and conventional engineering configuration styles. Topped by inclining rooftops (a conspicuous difference to the conventional arches found on most mosques), the fundamental supplication lobby and yard is said to hold around 100,000 individuals. The vast majority of its expense (fixed at about US$120 million today) was a gift from King Faisal of Saudi Arabia.

The mosque, designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay and built between 1976 and 1986, has a geometric shape (inspired by a desert tent) and clean lines that make the astounding magnitude difficult to perceive until you get up close. The four 88m minarets rise over the prayer hall (an old urban legend has it that the ever-paranoid CIA asked to investigate them, fearing they were missiles in disguise!). The roof soars to 40m inside, and the air hums with muffled recitations. The mausoleum of late President Zia ul- Haq's is located next to the mosque.

Non-Muslims are permitted to visit, however, they must refrain from visiting during prayer hours and on Fridays. Before entering the courtyard, please leave your shoes at a counter and dress conservatively (women should bring a headscarf). Take an interstate bus or a taxi to 8th Avenue to get here (around Rs 80 from the Blue Area).