Bahrain's grand mosque, named after the founder of the country, is a sight to behold. It's one of the largest mosques in the world, accommodating 7,000 worshipers and containing a library with many ancient volumes. Its precious materials were brought from all over the world and processed by local craftspeople. Visitors have been endlessly fascinated by the huge domes and the beautiful calligraphy ornamenting the walls. Guided tours are available in both English and Arabic.

The court church is situated on the east side of the old town next to the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Habsburg emperor Maximilian I (1459–1519) planned an escort of life-size bronze figures, which were designed by prominent artists of his time. The twenty-eight so-called “Schwarze Mander“ (black men) were worked on by painter Albrecht Dürer as well as casters Stefan Godl, Peter Vischer and Peter Löffler, among others. The statues were not completed, however, until Maximilian’s grandson Ferdinand I took over and had this significant piece of Renaissance art displayed in Innsbruck’s Hofkirche.

On this rich archaeological site from the pre-Roman and Roman times about a hundred tombs have been discovered, out of which some date back from the 4th century B.C. According to the found artefacts and records of the Roman writers, experts identify this settlement as Arausona, a Liburnian-Roman settlement mentioned by Pliny. Tombs of the older layers of necropolis date back from the 3rd to the 1st century B.C., and they were made under the Hellenistic influence. A complex of blocks of houses made of fine carpeted stone, joined with clay, and later with mortar was also found here. The settlement was surrounded by defensive walls, made from the fractal stone, and was divided by streets. Some buildings had water tanks incised into the bedrock for collecting the rain-water.

Once a year, Eilat turns into a music hub with lots of jazz. If you happen to be around at this time of the year, you should not miss this mega event. Check their website for upcoming artists and shows.