Sunan Ampel Mosque Preserves Centuries of Islamic Heritage in Surabaya

RRI.CO.ID, Surabaya - Masjid Sunan Ampel, or Sunan Ampel Mosque, remains a major religious tourism destination and Islamic heritage site in Indonesia. The historic mosque stands in Surabaya, East Java, Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

Located in Kampung Nyamplungan, the mosque is among the oldest historic mosques in East Java. It attracts Muslim visitors from Indonesia and abroad, while its historic architecture remains well preserved.

The mosque was established by Sunan Ampel with the cooperation of other Islamic scholars and local communities. Its construction followed the establishment of Ampel Denta village as an Islamic propagation center in East Java.

Several historical accounts place the mosque's establishment in either 1421 or 1450. It was initially a small prayer house measuring 15 by 16 meters, known as Musholla Abdurrahman.

The mosque was later supported by 16 teakwood pillars through community cooperation and contributions from Islamic scholars. Sunan Ampel was buried beside the mosque, which later became an important pilgrimage destination.

The mosque has undergone several expansions and renovations throughout its history. During the colonial period, additional buildings were constructed north of the original mosque under local government administrations.

After Indonesia gained independence, further expansions were carried out between 1954 and 1958. Additional development continued in 1974, followed by larger renovations that eventually shaped the complex seen today.

A major renovation began in August 1993 following a working visit by East Java Governor Sularso. The project included comprehensive improvements to the mosque complex and was carried out in four stages.

The first stage involved constructing a new mosque building covering 1,225 square meters in 1994. The second stage added a women's prayer area, while the third integrated the original and new mosque buildings through architectural harmony.

The final stage focused on improving the mosque grounds, completing earlier construction, and adding several entrance gates. Today, the mosque and surrounding area remain managed as part of the Ampel Foundation's heritage complex.