The Jumma Masjid — Bangalore's Friday Mosque — is one of the oldest mosques in the city, and stands as an imposing presence in the old city area near the Bangalore Fort. Tall granite pillars support an elevated prayer hall, and the proportions of the structure give it a gravity that newer buildings in the neighbourhood cannot match. The mosque was built during Hyder Ali's rule in the 18th century and has been an active centre of Muslim worship ever since.
Friday prayers draw large crowds, spilling onto the surrounding streets in a way that gives the area a distinct energy. Visitors are welcome outside prayer times; dress modestly and remove shoes before entering the prayer hall. The surrounding streets are good for a walk — there are a number of small shops and stalls catering to the local community.