Originally called Yathrib, Madina is the second holiest city in Islam.  This is the city to which the Prophet Mohammed migrated when he left his hometown of Mekka and is where he was buried.  The city is also known as Al-Madīnat(u) 'l-Munawwarah which means enlightened city as it was the location of the first Muslim community.  Interesting facts about the city include the old wall surrounding parts of the city, sometimes 12 meters high as well as watchtowers and an old castle higher up on a rocky area.  Additionally, there are four gates to the city; the Egyptian gate or the “door of peace” is well-known for its unique beauty.  Muslim visitors who go to Madina usually visit Qubba’a Masjid, the hill where the battle of Uhud took place and the nearby Al Baqi cemetery where the companions of the Prophet are buried.  Those who visit Madina also notice the unique architecture of the surrounding buildings with their intricate enclosed balconies and latticed shutters which provide not only beauty but also relief from the heat of the sun.