The Great Mosque of Mecca, or Masjid al-Haram, holds the title of the world’s most expensive building, with a staggering construction cost of £67 billion ($100 billion). When adjusted for inflation, this figure rises to $115.2 billion in 2022 dollars.
Situated in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the mosque is a pivotal religious site for over a billion Muslims and has been under construction since 638 AD. Its most recent expansion, completed in 2020, solidified its position as both the largest mosque in the world and the most expensive building ever built.
Covering over 400,000 square meters, the Great Mosque of Mecca can accommodate up to 2.5 million worshippers simultaneously. Its grandeur is reflected in its vast marble floors, elaborate architectural details, and towering minarets. Advanced features such as air-conditioned walkways, expansive prayer halls, and state-of-the-art lighting systems contribute to its high cost.
The mosque’s monumental expense is attributed to its scale, the quality of materials, and the advanced technology employed to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims. Following the Great Mosque of Mecca, the Abraj Al Bait in Mecca, a complex of hotels and shopping malls, is the second most expensive building, with a cost of $15 billion, or $19.5 billion in 2022 dollars.
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