Top 5 Spots in Saudi Arabia that Celebrate its Rich History
Beyond the desert safari in Saudi Arabia, or visiting Mecca and Madina, there lies a vast place yet to be fully explored by visitors. These historical places in Saudi Arabia, rich in culture, are worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.
Must-See Historical Sites in Saudi Arabia
So, let’s start the discussion by talking about the most iconic and once difficult-to-access place in Saudi Arabia - Al Habala.
1. The Hanging Village of Habala
The Hanging Village is located in the Asir region, which most people don't even know much about. Even though the place is in Saudi Arabia, it is culturally closer to Yemen.
The Arabic meaning of Asir is 'difficult', which is appropriate for the village as it is difficult to access for tourists and also by invaders (in the past). The village is built on a cliff face that is at an altitude of 2,000 meters. The village is also known as Al Habala, and interestingly enough, Habala in Urdu means 'rope'. The village on the cliff face was so difficult to access that people needed ropes to access the place, or they used rope ladders to reach that height.
The village came into existence approximately 370 years ago when the tribal community called Khatani (or flower man) started living in that place. You might wonder why they would start living in such an inaccessible place. There is a good enough reason for that - the Ottoman Empire was ruling at that time, and the remoteness of the place offered security to the people.
However, modern Al Habala is different than the past scenario. In the 1990s, the original villagers were relocated, and this area was used as a place to promote tourism. Now, you can access the place through cable cars and enjoy the beautiful place with a terraced garden and scenic view.
2. Ushayger Heritage Village
When you take a walk through the village street of Ushaiger, you'll feel like you are travelling through a time machine, and you have come to a place set in a village from the stories of the Arabian Nights. Located in the Najd region, Ushaiger tells you stories of the past, if you have the ears to listen to. You might also call it a living museum, flaunting the rich history of the past Arabic lifestyle.
Take some time to explore the villages, and you will come across ancient practices such as Almad al-nakhl (date palm cultivation) and the Arabian majlis, where people gather to discuss things over aromatic Arabian coffee. The winding alleys of the villages and the mud houses tell stories of the past when life found its meaning in creativity and craftsmanship.
Besides exploring the hidden historical sites of Saudi Arabia, if you want to simply relax and enjoy authentic Arabian hospitality, Ushayger village is the perfect place for you. The people of the village welcome tourists with warm hearts and overwhelm them with genuine hospitality.
3. The Ancient Wells of Tayma
Is it hard to imagine a large well-being the life source of an oasis in Saudi Arabia? Bir Haddaj is exactly what you cannot imagine. It is the largest well in the Arabian Peninsula with a massive 65 meters in width and 13 meters in depth. But why do you think it is of historical significance? There are plenty of reasons for that.
Let's start with its name. The name Haddaj has a connection with the name Hadad, the name of an ancient god of rain, the moon, and love in the peninsula. The name itself signifies fertility and being the source of life. Similarly, it has helped create life force in a place where water is scarcely available - Tayma. It is situated between a mountain range and a dune desert.
Without the existence of Bir Haddaj, there would have been no Tayma and no civilization in that area. There is a long history attached to Bir Haddaj, and the ancient farmers, travellers, and others benefited from it. Even after being swallowed by heavy rain and flood, the well still exists.
A major renovation boost came from His Majesty King Saud Bin Abdulaziz in 1953, when he decided to install some pumps in the well to help the local farmers get plenty of water.
4. Dhee Ayn Marble Village
Now, it's time to take a tour of a 400-year-old white-stone village in Saudi Arabia's Al-Baha region. The place is a blend of mesmerising marble architecture, history, and natural beauty. You will be amazed to witness the beautifully built and eye-catching white marble buildings. Now abandoned, the majestic building offers you a glimpse into the past of Saudi Arabia.
If you want to know the historical background of the place, you will have to go back to the 17th century. It was built during this time, and the 49 multi-story homes were made using a technique called 'Madamek'. All of the houses were made of polished stones and have thick walls that work as insulation against the high temperatures in this region.
Despite the high temperature of the region, Dhee Ayn still has fertile land for agricultural work. When you visit the place, you will not only see the beautifully structured building but also flowers, palm groves, basil, banana trees, and more.
5. The Farasan Islands' Coral Houses
Farsan Island is one of the historical places in Saudi Arabia where more than 400 coral houses are still standing despite harsh weather. However, coral stones are a traditional building material in the region. The island is located in the Red Sea, off the southern coast of Saudi Arabia.
You should only visit the area just to witness the beautifully built coral houses, and some of them still bear the architectural heritage of the Ottoman Empire. You will also see the ruins of Al Qassar village, which was one of the earliest inhabited settlements on this island. Besides, coral houses explore buildings that are built using mud, sandstones, and corals from the water.
How to Plan for a Saudi Arabia Trip?
The first thing you need to do is to apply for a Saudi Arabia visa. You will need a valid passport to prove your citizenship in the country where you live. However, plan your stay first and then apply for the visa, so that you can submit an itinerary at the time ofvisa application.
Book flights and hotels at least two months before you arrive in the country. You will have a better chance of getting the hotels and flight tickets available.
Explore Historical Places of Saudi Arabia with Proper Planning
Exploring the culturally rich places of Saudi Arabia is fun. All you need is proper planning to explore all the places. Visa application at the right time, booking flights, and a hotel room when there is still time in hand are important.
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Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply at least 3 days in advance of your flight to KSA. British citizens, Italian citizens, Romanian citizens, Portuguese citizens and Turkish citizens can apply online for Online Saudi Visa.