Final answer:
The Kaaba, located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is a cubical structure draped in a silk cloth with gold and silver calligraphy, considered the holiest site in Islam, and destination for the Hajj pilgrimage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Kaaba is a central piece of Islamic tradition located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. According to historical accounts, the structure dates back to pre-Islamic times and was rededicated by the Prophet Muhammad in 631-32 CE. Over the centuries, the Kaaba has undergone multiple renovations. The cube-shaped building's granite masonry walls are covered with a silk curtain known as the kiswa, which features calligraphy in gold and silver-wrapped thread. This sacred site is the most revered location in Islam, attracting millions of pilgrims who partake in the annual Hajj, a pilgrimage that represents one of the five pillars of Islam.
Today's Kaaba stands fifteen meters tall, with sides measuring ten and a half meters, and its corners approximately align with the cardinal directions. Its door made of solid gold, a feature added in 1982, signifies its importance. The kiswa is now made in Saudi Arabia, although historically it was sent from Egypt. The pilgrimage, or Hajj, to the Kaaba, has always been a significant event, where pilgrims would traditionally travel in caravans across deserts from various starting points across the Muslim world.