The birthplace of Muhammad, Mecca (the name means "blessed") is the holiest city of Islam and is the destination of Muslims making the sacred hajj (pilgrimage) from throughout the world. Normally a city of about 1.5 million people, Mecca's population grows to more than 3 million during the annual pilgrimage season—it's said to be the largest congregation of humanity at one time and place in the world.
Though it's only a short freeway drive (about 40 mi/65 km southeast) from Jedda, Mecca can only be visited by practicing Muslims. The focus of the hajj is the Shrine of the Holy Ka'aba, a black-draped stone building that resembles a large cube. It sits in the massive open-air courtyard of the Sacred Mosque, which holds up to 300,000 people.
Several other sacred sites are in the vicinity of the mosque, including the Well of Zamzam, the tombs of Ishmael and Hagar, and a footprint of Abraham.
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