Tomb of Eve

The Tomb of Eve, located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is an intriguing archaeological site considered by some Muslims to be the burial place of Eve, whom Islamic tradition regards as the grandmother of humanity. This connection influenced the city's name, as "Jeddah" means grandmother in Arabic. If you are drawn to ancient folklore and historical legends, this location offers a profound glimpse into regional heritage.

Over the centuries, prominent figures and historians—including Idrisi, Ibn Jubayr, Ibn al-Mujawir, Ibn Khallikan, and Richard Francis Burton—have documented this legendary spot. Historical accounts describe the grave's extraordinary dimensions, ranging from an original eight feet to roughly 130 meters or 200 yards long, reflecting traditions of her titanic proportions. Past visitors once saw a small central mosque over the grave.

However, you should know that Prince Faisal destroyed it in 1928, and religious authorities sealed the site with concrete in 1975 because they disapprove of pilgrims praying at tombs. Today, visiting allows you to contemplate centuries of pilgrimage tradition, literary references, and the enduring historical lore that forever links humanity's grandmother to the city of Jeddah.

What to see at Tomb of Eve

• Archaeological site considered by some Muslims to be Eve's burial place
• Historical inspiration behind Jeddah's name, meaning "grandmother" in Arabic
• Documented by historical figures including Ibn Jubayr and Richard Francis Burton
• Grave historically described with extraordinary lengths up to 130 meters
• Site destroyed in 1928 by Prince Faisal and sealed with concrete in 1975

Visiting tips

Note that religious authorities sealed the site with concrete in 1975 to prevent praying at the tomb, so plan your visit around observing the historical site from the outside.

How long: 30-60 minutes · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Tomb of Eve is easy to reach on Jeddah’s public transport, and pairs naturally with King Fahd's Fountain. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Jeddah travel guide.