7 Historic Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia to Explore the Past

Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a country of great history, tradition and antiquity and that makes it one of the most interesting countries globally. It ranges from the holy city of Makkah to the amazing historical site of Al-Ula, there is much more that Saudi Arabia can offer for history enthusiasts. If you are a history freak, a cultural worshipper or just a wanderer who wants to explore the history of this great Kingdom, Saudi Arabia has it all. The historical attractions of the country are stories of the ancient people, kings and queens, and religious importance for centuries. If you are interested in places to visit in Saudi Arabia, or interested in Riyadh tourist attractions or attractions to visit in Makkah, Saudi Arabia has a lot to offer to those interested in history.

If the traveler is seeking the best tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia, this land provides some of the most unique experiences. Starting from Diriyah – the first capital of Saudi Arabia and a UNESCO World Heritage site to the famous Al-Masmak fortress in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia has quite a variety of history to offer. These sites are not only the historical monuments, but they are the cultural assets of the kingdom that represent its historical contribution to the formation of the contemporary world. Saudi Arabia is simply the best place for anyone who wants to explore the history of religion and architecture of the country. If you are planning to have a Saudi tour, then these historic sites should not be missed to make your tour through history worthwhile. Make sure to apply for your Saudi visa in advance for a hassle-free journey.

Below are 7 Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia where History Lives:

1. Al-Ula

Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia

Al-Ula is one of the most visited areas in KSA because it is rich in history and archaeology as well as natural sites. This is a desert city that hosts the Nabatean site of Madain Saleh, which is the world’s second largest after Petra and a site of world heritage. It includes tombs and monumental structures sculpted in sandstone cliff faces and therefore will be of paramount interests to any traveler who wants to acquaint him or herself with the prehistoric history of Saudi Arabia. As for Madain Saleh it was one of the greatest Nabatean cities and the ruins that are nowadays seen are the evidence of a long history of the area. Al-Ula itself as a place with rock formations and oasis is one of the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia for historical tourism and history lovers.

2. Diriyah: The origin of the Saudi Kingdom

Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia

The places to visit in Riyadh any person would want to visit in the KSA if they want to understand the genesis of modern Saudi Arabia is Diriyah, which is just a short drive from Riyadh. This is historical city of KSA where was the seat of Al-Sauds dynasty and where was established the first Saudi kingdom. The Al-Turaif district of Diriyah is a UNESCO World Heritage site; the mud-brick palaces and fortifications of the area give one a feel of the region’s antecedents. Diriyah was the heart of the early Saudi Kingdom and has a significant part in the formation of the contemporary state. The historical background of Diriyah makes it among the most important site seeing attractions in KSA for anybody interested in royal Saudi Arabia.

3. Makkah: The Sacred City of Islam

Makkah: The Sacred City of Islam

Makkah is definitely one of the most attractive destinations in Saudi Arabia to visit not only from historical but also from religious point of view. With the Kaaba, which is an Islam holy site, and being the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, Makkah has religious significance to Muslims worldwide. Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and millions of Muslims from all over the world annually perform the pilgrimage in Makkah. The largest mosque in the world is at Mecca, called the Masjid al-Haram, and contains the Kaaba and is the most sacred place in Islam. Due to its roots in history and religion, Makkah is crucial for anyone who wants to know places to visit in Makkah.

4. Al-Masmak Fortress: The New Face of Saudi Arabia

Al-Masmak Fortress: The New Face of Saudi Arabia

The Al-Masmak Fortress is one of the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia; it is situated in the centre Riyadh. It is considered an important spot as the fortress was used when Abdulaziz Al Saud recaptured Riyadh in the year 1902 that marked the start of the modern Saudi Kingdom. Today it functions as a museum that tells the story of the creation of the kingdom and their royal family. Al-Masmak is a mud brick construction and the site’s visit gives an insight on the history of Saudi Arabia. This landmark is among the most famous attractions of Saudi Arabia for those, who are fond of military history and the process of state formation.

5. Al-Balad: The Old Town of Jeddah

Al-Balad: The Old Town of Jeddah

It is Al-Balad, the historic district of Jeddah which is in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and should be high on the list of every visitor to Saudi Arabia especially for those who would like to learn about early Islamic architecture and perhaps even a little about urban planning. This is a lovely old town, with many buildings constructed from coral, and a labyrinth of lanes and streets. The architecture of the building in Al-Balad district is the mix of Arabian and Islamic architecture that reflects the cultural impact of trading and the Red Sea. It is also equipped with old souks through which tourists can purchase various products including traditional artifacts, spices and antiques from Al-Balad. It is one of the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia who are interested in the historical Saudi Arabian coastal cities.

6. The Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali): Hear of the Arabian Desert

The Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali): Hear of the Arabian Desert

Rub’ al Khali or The Empty Quarter is the world’s largest continuous sand desert and one of the most important natural and historical regions. Although it is not an archaeological site, the Empty Quarter has been most influential in the lives of the Bedouins, the nomadic people of the Arabian Peninsula. A trip to this expansive area provides a chance to undergo through some of the challenges that defined the historical cultures of the area and their people. Due to the studies and its wild nature the desert is one of the best places to see in Saudi Arabia for those who are fond of history and traveling and interested in the ancient ways of life in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

7. Al-Khobar: Tourism in the Eastern Province

Al-Khobar: Tourism in the Eastern Province

Al-Khobar is another place in Saudi that tourists interested in Saudi’s history and culture should not miss; the city is situated on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. The city is a significant entry point to the Kingdom’s Eastern Province giving tourists an opportunity to discover the Kingdom’s trade history. The King Fahd Causeway that links Saudi Arabia to Bahrain is one of the most famous structures in the city. , Al-Khobar is modern, but there are traditional markets and historical landmarks that show that the area has a past.

Conclusion

Any traveler who wants to discover the historical history of Saudi Arabia should take advantage of the Saudi Holiday Packages or Saudi Tour Packages to visit these amazing historical landmarks. Such packages usually offer the most attractive travels to various parts of Saudi Arabia, so that clients can appreciate the rich history of the country. From the holy places of Makkah to the rich history of Diriyah or the archaeological sites of Al-Ula, getting a Saudi tour package is a perfect way to get around the most historical sites of the kingdom.

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