Historical places in Saudi Arabia: Architecture from Another Era

Adventurists willing to explore the off beaten path, will enjoy discovering the historical places in Saudi Arabia. Ushaiqer heritage village Al Ahsa Oasis are places tourists will love about the country. Caving and hiking aren’t must things to do on the bucket list even for off- road desert expeditions. There are several places that will take tourists back in time.

Top Historical Places in Saudi Arabia: Learning About History

Every often when planning a holiday with one’s family or friends, the first thing that pops up in the mind is exploring of some the best historical places in Saudi Arabia, shopping and eating at the finest restaurants. Every year, Saudi Arabia attracts millions of people from around the world.

1. Al Masjid An Nabawi Medina

Known as “prophet’s mosque, Al Masjid An Nabawi, to the world is known by several names like Al Haram, Al Haram Al Madani and Al Haram Al Nabawi. Prophet Muhammad has built the mosque in Medina in the Al Madhinah province of Saudi Arabia. After Masjid Quba, this is the second largest mosque made by the prophet. After Masjid Al Haram, this is the second holiest site in Islam in Mecca.

Sahl and Suhayal are two orphans that owned the land of Al Masjid An Nabawi which was given to the prophet as gift later. Nestled in the middle of Medina, the mosque is surrounded by several hotels and old markets. It is one of biggest pilgrimage sites where pilgrims perform the hajji.

Location: Al Haram, Medina 42311, Saudi Arabia

2. Mecca

Have you ever been to Mecca? The holiest city in the world, Mecca has a fascinating history that has been told and till date, is interesting to read about. The city surrounds itself in historical and religious importance and is home to millions. Mecca is the birth place of Prophet Muhammad and is home to Masjid Al Haram, the biggest and holiest mosque in the world. It is one of the most historical landmarks in Saudi Arabia people should put on their bucket list of places to explore. What more can anyone ask for when it comes to been given a chance to explore a stunning city like this?

Location: Saudi Arabia

Best Time To Visit: November- March

3. Masmak Fortress

It is not easy to overlook one of the most important historical places in Riyadh, Masmak Fortress played an important role in the province’s unification, which later in 1932, become the nation of Saudi Arabia. The fortress was once the battle ground that has now become the tide of the struggle for control, which now has given birth to modern day Saudi Arabia. The name was given birth to in 1865, during the 2nd Saudi state, which means a tall strong building with thick walls. The main base for Riyadh’s defense, home to the garrisons that protected the city.

The house of Saud’s rule lasted for 6 years and finally collapsed in 1881 and then was under the governance of Al Rasheed’s family, the former rulers who were made to flee into exile. It is one of the most fascinating places to visit at least once when on vacation in Saudi Arabia.

Location: Qasr al-Masmak, Al Imam Turki ibn Abdullah ibn Muhammad, Dirah, Riyadh 12652

Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm

Entry Fees: Free

4. At-Turaif District

Al Turaif District is one of the most stunning attractions in Jeddah that plays a major role in the settlement of humans of the central Arabian plateau. Independent Arab state got its capital ‘Ad- Dir’iyah’ which still is an important religious centre as well. The perfect example of traditional human settlement in desert environment is At- Turaif district. A witness to the Najdi architectural style, influenced by the centre of the Arabian Peninsula, the district was born in the 15th district. At- Turaif become the centre of the temporal power of the house of Saud with its rise in politics and religion in the 18th and 19th century. Several palaces and an urban ensemble are somethings that the properties include.

Location: Wadi Hanifah, Al Traif, Ad Diriyah 13711, Saudi Arabia

5. Jawatha mosque Saudi Arabia

The first mosque built in Saudi Arabia during the time of Prophet Muhammad, Jawatha Mosque includes remains of a 1400-year structure. Even though the site has a few ruins, Al- kilabiyah and Hofuf, Al- Ahsa is used for prayers. Jawatha Mosque Saudi Arabia is one of the most significant historic, cultural and heritage sites people should explore.

Tourists often feel the power and importance the mosque once had and was given birth by the Bani Abd Al- Qays tribe during the 7th century. The mosque has a stunning arched doorway and carpeted floors. Ancient stories tell the story of the mosque stands in the same place where the black stone was kept when it was stolen. The mosque is one of the most stunning historical sites in Saudi Arabia.

Location: Al Kulabiyah, Juatha 36353, Saudi Arabia

Opening hours: 7 am –12 am

6. Hima Cultural Area

With its stunning rock art collection that portrays hunting, fauna, flora and lifestyles in a cultural continuity of 7,000 years, Hima cultural area is nestled in a mountainous area of southwest Saudi Arabia. Several rock inscriptions and petroglyphs were left behind by travelers and armies camping on site, in perfect condition. The cultural area is one of the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia.

Musnad, Aramaic- Nabatean, South Arabian, Thamudic, Greek and Arabic are some of the various inscriptions seen in the cultural area. Rich in untouched archaeological resources in the form of cairns, stone structures, interments, stone tool scatters and old wells are some of the things people will get to see.

Location: Najran, Najran Province, Saudi Arabia

7. Old Dariyah

Birthplace of the Saudi state, historical crossroads of pilgrims and traders, Old Dariyah is home to one of the most stunning heritage developments. Once home to a desert city, Old Dariyah is seen along the outskirts of Riyadh, which in turn forms an oasis that spilt from the Wadi Hanifa banks. It is one of the best places to visit in November in the world. The city was named the capital of the country in 1745, laying the foundations for what become a unified Saudi Arabia.

At the end of the Wahhabi war, Dariyah fell in the late 1818 and was successful as the national capital. It is one of the most ancient sites in Saudi Arabia, people should explore at least once.

Location: Ar Riyad Province, Saudi Arabia

8. Old Jeddah

Retracing the traders and pilgrims' steps who for years have walked the streets of this city, tourists will be infused by a colorful and immediacy that is endured today. Did you know Jeddah is known as the ‘the bride of the red sea’? It is true and tourists were allowed to visit the place even before the Caliph Uthman Ibn Affan made the town the official seaport for the holy city of Makkah in 647CE. Tourists will get to see how the past l get to see how the past has been kept alive in one of the most historical places in Jeddah.

Location: 3022-3107 Bazan Ln, Al-Balad, Jeddah 22236, Saudi Arabia

Best Time To Visit: November- Early March

9. King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre

King Abdul Aziz historical centre offers a range of cultural amenities and urban green spaces. Its main attraction is the museum used for interactions using theatrical and multimedia methods. An extension of the cultural influence of the centre is seen in the mosque, the library and conference building. When it comes to learning about the history of the country, one should visit the historical centre.

What more can anyone ask for when it comes to exploring the history of the country? It is one of the most amazing ways of learning about how it stood the test of time.

Location: Historical Center، King Abdul Aziz، Al Murabba, Riyadh 12631, Saudi Arabia

Opening hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday: 8 am- 8 pm

Friday: 4- 8pm

Sunday- 8 am- 2 pm

10. Ibrahim Palace

Ibrahim Palace, one of the most famous historical places in Saudi Arabia, was built 500 years ago in Hofuf in Al- Ahsa's region. In 1801, the structure was renovated by Ibrahim bin Afysan, hence it was given the name. It has several military watchtowers and one will get to see a blend of modern and Islamic architectural styles influenced by ancient times.

Built on commercial route, the palace has become a wealthy symbol of the region. Back in 1913, when King Abdul Aziz ruled Al- Ahsa, he added new dimensions to the palace. The structure was fortified with Islamic domes and majestic, military- style towers and soldiers' barracks in the eastern wing in the palace.

Location: Al Rafaa North, Al Hofuf 36361, Saudi Arabia

Opening hours:

Sunday- Thursday: 8 am - 4 pm

Friday: 4- 8 pm

Saturday: 9 am - 1 pm

Saudi Arabia is one of the most stunning countries in the world that has something for everyone. The best part about the country is its historical places which is a must visit. People from around the world come to the country just to be awe struck by its beauty. Each historical place has a story to tell which is interesting to know about. So, go ahead and book your flight tickets to Saudi Arabia right away.

FAQs

Q1. Which is the oldest city in Saudi Arabia?

Jeddah is said to be one of the oldest cities in Saudi Arabia.

Q2. Which is the holiest historical place in Saudi Arabia?

Mecca is the holiest historical place in Saudi Arabia.

Q3. What is Hima Cultural Area known for?

The cultural area is known for its stunning rock art collection that portray hunting, fauna, flora and lifestyles in a cultural continuity of 7,000 years.

Q4. What makes Jawatha mosque special?

Q5. What is At- Turaif District?

Q6. Where is Ibrahim place located?

Ibrahim place is located at Al Rafaa North, Al Hofuf 36361, Saudi Arabia.

Q7. Where is King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre located?

King Abdul Azis Historical centre is located at Historical Center، King Abdul Aziz، Al Murabba, Riyadh 12631, Saudi Arabia.

Q8. What makes Masmak Fortress special?

The fortress was once the battle ground that has now become the tide of the struggle for control, which now has given birth to modern day Saudi Arabia.