attractions: visitor information saudi arabia 2012
MADA’IN SALEH
While some of the inscriptions throughout the ancient city of Mada'in Saleh date back to 2,000 BC, most other architectural elements at the site, located 22 kilometres from Al 'Ula in northern Hejaz, are from the first millennium BC. The Nabateans were 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 Petra as one of the new wonders of the world). 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. With such a heritage, Mada'in Saleh was proclaimed a site of patrimony by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in 2008. The burial graves combin- ing 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, Mali- chos II, Aretas IV and Rabal II.
For all those interested in ancient civilisations Two to 50
Best to arrive early Take a packed lunch
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AL KHURAIBA Al Khuraiba is a treasure trove, with altars, incense burners and statues containing ancient Lihyanite (Lihyan is an ancient Arab kingdom) inscriptions found in the area. Today, visitors can explore several tombs (each either containing several graves or a single shaft for one burial) and a circular basin carved in one large piece of sandstone rock that is thought to be from a Lihyanite temple. Perhaps the best-known tomb, Al Usud (which means 'two lions'), has two stylised lions carved into one of its sides.
Part of a full-day city tour Two to 50
Best visited in the morning Take a tour guide
THE OLD CITY
Stone brought from the nearby archaeological site at Al Khuraiba (a town attributed to the ancient Kingdom of Lihyan) was used to build the original enclave of the Old City and it is a rare example of an Islamic City from the 7th to the 11th centuries. Altars, blocks and ancient Lihyanite-inscribed stones (by the ancient Lihyans) can still be viewed among the houses throughout the site. An outer enclosure wall protect- ing the city from attack was established by lining houses up side by side.
Part of full-day city tour Two to 50
Open Saturday through Thursday 10am to 3pm
NATURAL ATTRACTIONS Venturing 700 metres above the city will see you beginning to climb the Al Harra' moun- tains, which offer breath-taking views of Mada'in Saleh and Al 'Ula. Situated within two parallel chains of high rocky peaks, separated by a nar- row canyon, is Mount Ithlib. Northeast of Al Hijr, the Al Harra' range was used, histori- cally, by the Nabateans to carry out several religious rituals. A site of natural beauty awaits five kilometres south of the Mada'in at what is known as the Elephant Rock. Sand storms throughout thousands of years have carved the towering monolith from the soft, red sandstone.
Part of a full-day city tour Two to 50
Best visited in the morning before the mid-day heat Take a tour guide
MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY AND ETHNOGRAPHY The museum in Sikhairat in Al 'Ula is home to wonderful displays from local geology and pilgrim routes and offers an in- troduction to Nabatean (ancient oasis traders circa AD 37).
Part of full-day city tour Open Saturday through Thursday 10am to 3pm
THE ANCIENT FACADE OF MADA'IN SALEH
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