The 4 Spots You Have To See in AlUla, Saudi Arabia’s First UNESCO World Heritage Site
25.07.2023 - 10:40
/ matadornetwork.com
If you know someone who’s been to Saudi Arabia, chances are they visited AlUla. There’s a good reason for that. Located in the Medina province in northwest Saudi Arabia, AlUla is defined by its almost surreal landscape of canyons, wadis (dry valleys), sandstone cliffs, and ancient Arabic rock dwellings and tombs that trace the 7,000-year history of people living in the region. It’s also the home of Hegra, the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, a city built by the Nabataeans – the same civilization that built Petra – over 2,000 years ago. Thanks to this concentration of geographic and historical wonders, it’s no surprise that AlUla has become the centerpiece of Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning tourism push.
AlUla might just be one small piece of Saudi Arabia, but there’s still so much to see that it can be difficult to fit it all into one trip. From the ancient city of Hegra to the modern mirrored concert venue of Maraya, these are the AlUla sites you can’t miss on your next trip.
Photo: Christopher Kane/Shutterstock
Also known as Mada’in Saleh or Al-Hijr, Hegra is an archaeological site known for its well-preserved ancient tombs, intricate rock carvings, and a rich history that dates back to the Nabatean Kingdom over 2,000 years ago. The main attraction at Hegra is its collection of 111 monumental tombs carved into the sandstone cliffs. These tombs feature intricate inscriptions and detailed facades, reflecting the artistry of the ancient Nabateans.
The Qasr al-Farid, also known as the Lonely Castle, is a tomb that’s considered one of the most iconic landmarks in Hegra. A solitary rock formation standing 72 feet tall, this boulder resembles the famous Petra in Jordan. Like Petra, the tomb is chiseled right out of the rock, though the bottom half was left unfinished. The carvings and inscriptions inside reveal a great deal about Nabatean culture, particularly their religious practices.
From the Lonely Castle, head to Jabal AlBanat, one of the largest clusters of tombs in Hegra. These 29 tombs have intricately-carved facades into all sides of their sandstone rock. What really makes these tombs special, however, is that they were commissioned by or for women, with many including inscriptions meant to protect the tomb, threatening to punish anyone who disturbs them.
Photo: John Doe/Shutterstock
In sharp contrast to the historic architectural allure of Hegra, Maraya is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s contemporary art and design. Rising from the heart of the Ashar Valley like a modern art oasis, Maraya — which means “mirror” or “reflection” in Arabic — is the largest mirrored building in the world with its covering of 9,740 mirrored panels. Despite its modern design, it nonetheless manages to reflect and blend