Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque: A Jewel of Brunei

The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is one of the most magnificent mosques in Southeast Asia. Built in 1958, the mosque was commissioned by Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the 28th Sultan of Brunei, to reflect the glory of Islam. The mosque's design was influenced by Mughal architecture and features elements of Islam and Brunei throughout its facade and interior. Rudolfo Nolli, an Italian artist and architect, created the mosque based on an initial drawing by Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III. The mosque is situated in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, on the banks of the Brunei River, in a man-made lagoon. Its most prominent feature is the golden dome, made of 3.3 million pieces of gold Venetian mosaics, which dominates the city's skyline. The interior is equally stunning, with Italian marble walls, Saudi Arabian carpets, and English chandeliers. The mosque also features a ceremonial stone barge in the lagoon, a replica of a 16th-century royal barge, which was used for Quran reading competitions. The mosque can accommodate 3,000 worshippers and is a significant place of worship and a major tourist attraction. Visitors are welcome to explore the mosque's exterior and surrounding gardens, but photography is not allowed inside. The mosque is open to visitors during specific hours outside of prayer times, and modest dress is required.