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ATTRACTIONS Visitor information
AL MADINAH AL MUNAWARAH
AL MADINA AL MUNAWARAH IS NOT ONLY THE SECOND HOLIEST CITY IN ISLAM AND BURIAL PLACE OF THE PROPHET MOHAMMED, BUT ALSO A MESMIRISING REGION WITH BREATH-TAKING SCENERY AND LANDSCAPES.
Mada'in Saleh may not be as grand as Petra, but it shares many similar characteristics. It was the southern capital of the Nabatean Kingdom, with Petra its northern capital. Such is its heritage, Mada'in
Saleh was proclaimed a site of patrimony by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in 2008. The burial graves combining Egyptian, Assyrian and Greek features observed by the Nabatean sculptors during their travels are some of the most fascinating aspects. Of the 131 tombs, 35 carry deeds written in Nabatean script over their doors. Historians date these 35 tombs back to 75 AD around the same period of the three Nabatean kings, Malichos II, Aretas IV and Rabal II.
All interested in ancient civilisations Two to 50
Best to arrive early Take a packed lunch
NATURAL ATTRACTIONS Venturing 700 metres above the city will bring you to the Al Harra mountains, which offer breath- taking views of Mada'in Saleh and Al Ula. Situated within two parallel chains of high rocky peaks that are separated by a narrow canyon is Mount Ithlib, which is northeast of Al Hijr. Historically, the range was used by the Nabateans to carry out several religious rituals. A site of natural beauty awaits 5 km south of the Mada'in at the Elephant Rock. Sandstorms throughout thousands of years have carved the towering monolith from the soft, red sandstone. Campers wishing to settle for the night can do so in the area, provid- ing it is not under the rock.
Part of full-day city tour Two to 50
Each attraction can form part of full-day tour Take a tour guide
MADA'INSALEH Some of the inscriptions throughout the ancient city date back to 2,000 BC. Most other architectural elements in Mada'in Saleh, which is located 22 km from Al Ula in northern Hejaz, are from the first Millennium BC in the time
of the Lihvan and Thamudi civilisations. The Nabateans were also once settled in the area after originally residing in Petra (during their time in Jordan, the tribe carved out the rock-cut architecture that has established the site as one of the new wonders of the world).
saudiarabia 2011
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