We all know Saudi Arabia for its history and heritage. This destination offers remnants of ancient civilisations and towering, glorious historical buildings. Travellers worldwide have become fans of Saudi Arabia’s most enchanting heritage sites for all the right reasons.
Top 5 of Saudi Arabia’s Most Enchanting Heritage Sites
Thousands of UK Muslim citizens travel to KSA for the pilgrimage. If you want to be one of them planning your Umrah packages this year, you might be curious about country's experiences. Heritage sites in Saudi Arabia are something that you must not miss. Here are some sites you must add to your Saudi itinerary for a more immersive experience during your pilgrimage.
#1. Rock Art in the Hail Region
This mesmerising historical site is unmatched in its ancient glory. It houses millennia-old sculptures and paintings from various past civilisations, and its desert location makes it even more fascinating. As one of the world's largest ancient rock art collections, it attracts countless history lovers worldwide. The engravings and ancient scripts on these rocks represent old civilisations and intrigue everyone.
Through this rock art, you get a glimpse of the lifestyle of various people in the region over the years. From clear depictions of humans and camels to ancient handwriting, you get a lot of history and heritage here. This is one of the best and most well-preserved representations of Neolithic art, and its rich history makes it a prominent heritage site in KSA.
#2. Old Jeddah
You cannot miss out on this historical town while exploring the heritage sites in KSA. This beautiful town along the Red Sea is also known as the gateway to Mecca, as it used to be the port city where the pilgrims travelling by sea arrived in the past. The historical buildings and houses here are still intact. Therefore, you get to see a time of history that will be new to you. This old town was once a bustling town that also served as one of the leading trade routes in the area, adding to its historical and cultural significance.
You might not see the type of architectural style anywhere else like the ones you will see here. Everyone gets curious about 19th-century tower houses, mosques, public squares, coral stone buildings, and stunning houses with large wooden Roshan. You will feel like you are part of history while exploring the streets of this ancient town. While here, you should also visit the bustling, busy market for a more exciting experience.
#3. Al-Hijr Archaeological Site
The first enlisted archaeological site of KSA holds its charm and allure, attracting millions of tourists every year. Al-Hijr, or Hegra, is known for housing 111 spectacular tombs with ornate facades and over 50 pre-Nabataean inscriptions. This stunning historical landmark offers many surprising things. It is a living example of the lifestyle and cultural values of the Nabataeans and never fails to amaze its visitors.
One of the most stunning things here is the spectacular Nabataean architectural style carved into the sandstone of the tombs, along with decorative motifs. The carving skills of these ancient people are indeed immaculate and one of a kind, which makes it much more visually appealing.
#4. At-Turaif District
At-Turaif district is the historical town where the first Saudi state was born, making it a prominent heritage site of KSA. Here, you will find remnants of some ancient sites and an urban ensemble that makes tourists curious about the heritage site. This ancient town is as old as the 18th or 19th century and is known for its political and religious value.
The Najdi architectural style in the historical district provides a glimpse of ancient KSA. Also, visit the historical museum in Diriyah, where you will find fascinating remains of the 18th-century At-Turaif District.
#5. Al-Ahsa Oasis
The largest oasis in the KSA and the Persian Gulf, Al-Ahsa Oasis is unmatched in its historical and cultural charm. Date palms and palm trees add much character to this beautiful site. Can you believe that this oasis has around 2.5 million palm trees? In addition to all this, it also has palm groves, springs, wells, canals, historical landmarks, and archaeological sites.
You will see an ancient culture here, which is a fascinating experience. Therefore, it deserves a top position in Saudi Arabia’s most enchanting sites. What makes it more exciting is that it not only represents a historical time but also shows the progress of life up to the present through its landmarks and other systems.
Wrap Up: Saudi Arabia’s Most Enchanting Heritage Sites
Do you want to travel to KSA soon and explore its prominent heritage landmarks? Getting the correct visa is the key to having all the experiences you wish to have in the country. If you get an Umrah visa, you can only visit the pilgrimage sites and some historical landmarks. However, you can also get a tourist visa as a UK citizen. The tourist visa allows you to travel around the country and explore its tourist attractions and heritage sites. So, ensure you get the correct visa and prepare the perfect Saudi itinerary to explore its beautiful heritage sites.
What about you, have you ever been to Saudi Arabia? Feel free to share any tips & advice below!
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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