The kingdom ensures that visitors of the Prophet’s Mosque are provided with all amenities. Some aspects of the kingdom's great care are the domes of the Prophet’s Mosque, which give a special beauty and splendor to the mosque, in addition to allowing ventilation and light. The appealing sight is perfected with the canopies that are neatly distributed in the courtyards of the Prophet’s Mosque. In addition to having the lights fitted on them and their posts, the canopies protect visitors from direct sunlight and from rain.
Domes of the Prophet's Mosque:
The domes of the Prophet’s Mosque represent a unique phenomenon in their architectural style. They give the Prophet’s Mosque a unique character so that the domes in general and the Green Dome in particular have come to be used as a symbol of Madinah. Wherever you search for pictures of Madinah and the Prophet’s Mosque, you will find the beautiful domes and the Green Dome remarkably present.
The first dome of the Prophet’s Mosque was built on top of the blessed Prophet’s Chamber in 678 AH. It was painted green in 1253 AH. The Green Dome became the most widely known dome; yet the total number of moving and fixed domes of the Prophet's Mosque is 196.
Moving Domes of the Prophet's Mosque:
Moving domes are emblems of modernization in the Prophet’s Mosque. There are 27 moving domes over the mosque.
In addition to their unique aesthetic character, they also allow ventilation as they open and close automatically three times a day: after Fajr, Dhuhr and Isha prayers.
The Giant Canopies:
There are 250 giant canopies in the Prophet's Mosque courtyards. They are characterized by appealing decorations and majestic design. They open and close automatically as needed. They open early in the day to protect visitors and worshipers from the scorching sun and from rain. At night, they fold up to allow natural ventilation. These canopies are spread in the outer courtyards and in open spaces inside the mosque.