Urban Heritage
Due to the historical importance of Madinah, man has left behind many unique and distinctive towns and villages throughout the ages. Madinah’s visitors can enjoy visiting forts and castles that spread throughout the city. The heritage villages in the Alula and Soor districts in Yanbu attract people who are interested in ancient Islamic history and architecture.
Alula Governorate
Alula is among the most important heritage sites in the Kingdom. It has archaeological antiquities, which date back to the Nabataean State, and other sites dating back to the two Dadanian and Lahyanian Kingdoms through which the Hijaz railway passes. Mada’en Saleh is classified within the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO.
Alkhuraybah and Al-Ussood Cemeteries
Located northeast of Alula, it is among the most important archaeological sites in Saudi Arabia. It features a round stone basin, which is known locally as «Mahlab Annaqah.” The site involves a large number of tombs that have been carved into the bottom of the eastern mountain of the site, each with a different size and shape. The most prominent of these cemeteries are Al-Oussud cemetery, which is marked by the presence of sculptures of fairy-like animals.
Mabiyat Archeological Site
Before it got its current name it was called Qarh, and it dates back to the Umayyad and Abbasi era. It is one of the most important Islamic sites in the north. It is rich in archaeological and cultural elements, and features narrow streets full of shops and houses with wooden doors that are decorated with calligraphy and other plaster inscriptions similar to the famous style of Samarra.
Hajr Islamic Fort
Located near the railway station of Hajr, this castle was built during the Abbasid era in 1375 Hijri, 985 A.D., for protection and as a rest area for pilgrims. It consists of two floors, a large interior courtyard and a water well. The most prominent feature of this castle is the beautiful Islamic indoor arches. There is a large pool outside the castle that was used to store rainwater for the benefit of users of this road in the past.
Madaen Saleh
It is among the most prominent global monuments, and it holds a large number of palaces (graves) carved into the mountains, such as Sanea Palace, Fareed Palace, and Bent Palace.
AlFeel Mountain
It is a huge rocky mountain that is more than 50 meters higher from the surrounding area. It is characterized by its unique elephant-like shape. It is located 20 kilometers from Alula on the road to (Alula-Hail). The rock is surrounded by a group of mountains and a wide open landscape covered with golden sand. The site is a perfect spot for desert sports and mountain climbing. There are also many interesting sites that can be visited in Alula, such as Um Naser Castle, Tantura, Ula Museum, Mughirah Castle, Sharan Park, Atheeb Railway Station, Atheeb Farms and Hawara Mountain. In addition, visitors can enjoy the unique mountain formations of Ula.
Hajar Railway Station
The Hajar Railway Station is the newest and largest railway station in Hijaz. It consists of many buildings with a unique architectural style and maintenance workshops. The station will soon be a regional museum featuring many archaeological artifacts.
Heritage Village in Alula
Home to ancient buildings made from rocks and mud, it dates back to the first few centuries in Islamic history, while also offering new tourism opportunities. Many of the main tourist attractions have been renovated and reopened to welcome visitors.
Shafa Harrat Owairedh
It is at the edge of a volcanic plateau overlooking the entire city of Alula. It is used as a terrace and a park that looks out over Madaen Saleh and Heritage Village of Alula. The view becomes even more interesting and beautiful at sunset.