19
Heritage Corridor
185km
450km
Driving ALL LEVELS
Best for HISTORY FANS
Recommended for A CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Travel back in time to explore the rich and vibrant history of Saudi Arabia. Just west of the capital, this route features 16 heritage sites spread over 200km. An exciting journey of discovery awaits as you explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site, traditional architecture, museums full of local treasures and much more.
Al Masmak Fortress
Located near Alsafat Square, Al Masmak Fortress has been turned into a museum that breathes life into the past – teeming with Saudi Arabian artefacts and old photographs. Al Masmak, meaning a high, strong, thick building in Arabic, has been a part of Saudi Arabia’s history for over 100 years, bearing witness to the formation of the Kingdom we know today. If you are in the area, make sure to visit the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Grand Mosque located across the square. Constructed in the 1800s, the mosque has experienced expansions to accommodate over 15,000 worshippers and remains an active place of worship to this day.
Ad Diriyah
The town of Ad Diriyah was established in the 15th century and is currently being developed as a heritage site due to its historical significance in the creation of the first Saudi state. The historic district of At-Turaif has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as an open-air museum to provide visitors with an experience of life in Saudi Arabia over 300 years ago. For more information, see the ‘Activities’ section.
Thadiq
Not far from the capital, the heritage village of Thadiq was established almost four centuries ago. If you’re aiming to capture the beauty of Saudi Arabia, make sure to snap a picture of Thadiq with a view of scenic date palms and mountains in the distance.
DAHNA WATERFALL
On your journey from Al Majmaah to Ushaiger Heritage Village, make a small pitstop at Dahna Waterfall. It’s recommended to visit after rainfall to ensure ample water is flowing. However, even without a scene of roaring water, visitors can still enjoy the sheer magnitude of the waterworn rocks. Park your vehicle at the top or bottom of the waterfall for a scramble up or down, taking care to not slip along the way.
Heritage Villages
Tour the villages and historical sites in the region of Sudayr to learn more about the area’s history at Al Hussein Heritage Museum in Awdat Sudayr or Al Bubtain Heritage Museum in Rawdat Sudayr. Wander the streets of At Tuwaim Old Town or the heritage village of Hautat Sudayr to better understand traditional life in the Kingdom. A trip to Rawdat Sudayr also warrants a perusal of Al-Majed Heritage Museum, which contains a multitude of old photographs and relics ranging from utensils and farm tools to swords and thermostats. For an afternoon lunch spot, sit near the water at Rawdat Sudayr Dam and bask in the sunshine. Afterwards, admirers of architecture can enjoy the traditional Najdi style found at Issa Archaeological Mosque and Azaaob Mosque Archaeological in Jalajil.
Al Majma'ah
The historic capital of the Sudayr region, Al Majma’ah can be found covered in greenery during the spring. With several restored heritage homes, you’re able to experience local Saudi hospitality first-hand. Today, the city contains the Al-Faisaly Club Museum as well as an impressive mudbrick fort that dates back to the 18th century.
Ushaiger Heritage Village
This village is one of the oldest mudbrick villages in the Najd region, and was once a popular stopping point for pilgrims crossing to Makkah. Today, the village is something of a living museum with schools, mosques and Arabic coffee houses among the crumbling ruins.
Take your time to browse heritage museums such as Al Mousa Museum, which has a fascinating array of archaeological finds, from pottery to fossils, as well as musical instruments and weapons. The collection at Al Salem Museum, established by a group of residents, is filled with rare pieces such as jewellery, old pistols, ceramics and embroidered clothing. A selection of traditional homes dating back to 1877 CE have been beautifully restored and opened to visitors.
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
Saudi Arabia’s captivating architecture is influenced by the tradition of Islamic building techniques and styles – heavily featuring arches, domes and mosaics across various structures. Mosques will also have a large courtyard, which was designed to accommodate large groups of people in prayer. When you enter a heritage home, there will likely be a majlis or sitting room decorated with geometric designs of plaster and a reasonably high ceiling. The purpose of this design was to help minimise smoke from the fire, which would burn during the winter, while also keeping the room cool in the summer.
Shaqra
Concealed behind mudbuilt walls, the heritage city of Shaqra is the perfect place for a day immersed in history. A stroll through the Shaqra Heritage Museum reveals black and white photographs displayed beside an extensive collection of well-loved household items from the olden days. You can also admire the architectural wonder of Al Subaie Heritage House and House Alissa while gaining a deeper understanding of local culture.
Don’t forget to meander through the Hlewa Heritage Market while sipping on some tea, admiring and maybe even purchasing some of the striking items on display.
Al Qasab
With a reputation for salt production, the heritage village of Al Qasab offers much to do. Make sure to take the opportunity to roam through the streets of old, visiting the local heritage museum, market and more.
Tharmada
Pass through the pristine wooden doors to enter the peaceful Tharmada Oasis Fort. Featured throughout the Fort are enchanting stone wells and carefully designed architecture that will transport you back in time.
Feel a sense of nostalgia as you explore the Suleiman bin Ibrahim Al Dakhil Museum and the delightfully restored Saleh bin Medlej Al-Youssef Heritage House, constructed according to ancestral tradition.
Marat
Wind between objects of the past at Al-Dhuaihi Heritage House Museum, where brightly coloured plates, old gas lanterns and mesmerising patterns of tapestry – among many other things – are extraordinarily preserved.
Raghabah
The village of Raghabah is easily found thanks to its restored observation tower, which offers a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the golden-brown coloured town. Many of the houses seen from above showcase intricate design details, which can be leisurely explored up close.
Sure to be a favourite stop, the nearby remains of Al Jeraisy Castle, various wall ruins and historic wells scattered at the town’s outskirts provide additional insight into the 300-year-old history of Raghabah.
Duruma
Take a journey among the aged remains of Duruma with a trip to Faraj Historical Palace and the local heritage museum. At the nearby garden, relish in the shaded reprieve of large, lush palm trees.
