History and culture are prominent parts of Saudi Arabia. Exploring Saudi Arabia without visiting its incredible historical and cultural landmarks is incomplete. This is one of the best countries to glimpse the Arabian Peninsula’s rich culture and exciting history. Also, let’s not forget about the country’s exceptional position in Islamic history. So, it is time to learn about the top historical and cultural landmarks to visit in Saudi Arabia and start planning your exciting holiday as soon as possible.
If you are a history buff or a Muslim, you might already be aware of Saudi Arabia's history and heritage. The country also has numerous fascinating landmarks for archaeology enthusiasts. You will find everything here, from remnants of some of the most ancient civilisations to the earliest mosques in Islam.
This is why, every year, countless UK citizens have been travelling to this incredible destination that recently opened its doors to tourism. If you want to be one of them, it is time that you book flights to Riyadh from the UK immediately and learn about the top landmarks to visit during your holidays.
Top Historical and Cultural Landmarks in Saudi Arabia
Mecca and Medina
Exploring Saudi Arabia's history and culture is impossible without visiting Mecca and Medina. These two cities perfectly represent the country's Islamic history. Only Muslims are allowed to enter Mecca, but non-Muslims can visit Medina and must respect its sanctity and religious significance. Both cities are home to numerous pilgrimage sites for Muslims.
There is no better place for Muslims on earth than these two holy cities for a spiritual retreat and the most faith-reviving experience. Mecca and Medina are full of history and culture. Also, the cities host huge pilgrim crowds every year. So, you will always find a diverse crowd of Muslims from around the world who arrive at the pilgrimage sites for Hajj, Umrah and Ziyarat.
Al Ula
If you love archaeology, we assure you that you won’t want to miss out on this iconic archaeological site in Saudi Arabia. Ula has recently received much attention from tourists worldwide for many reasons. This incredible landmark features sandstone tombs, ancient rocks, and inscriptions, and it resembles Petra, Jordan.
You will feel like you have arrived at the same landmark as that in Jordan, and there is a reason behind it. Like Petra, Al Ula was also inhabited by the Nabataean thousands of years ago. It represents their architectural expertise and rich culture and traditions in its ancient inscriptions. Another fascinating thing about Al Ula is its desert landscape, which makes this historic landmark much more mesmerising.
Diriyah
This ancient town, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Saudi Arabia, represents the country's glorious past. Diriyah is located in Riyadh and is known as the birthplace of the Saudi state. This historic city is home to narrow old streets and traditional architecture that is truly a sight to behold. You will have an enlightening time strolling around the pedestrianised maze of winding alleyways and encountering stunning traditional architecture.
While here, you can also explore different craft shops and cafes that offer a fascinating glimpse into Saudi Arabia's rich culture and traditions. To make your time here more memorable, visit the incredible Diriyah Museum and plan a picnic along the river lined with date palms.
Jubbah Hail
Are you interested in ancient rock art? You will surely love this landmark. Jubbah Hail is one of the world's most significant and popular prehistoric art collections. The sandstone cliffs amidst the golden desert sands feature rock art that offers a glimpse into the lives of the earliest humans. This is truly an enlightening experience that everyone enjoys.
This thousands-of-year-old site reflects the lifestyle and time of the Neolithic people. Its extensive collection of rock art carvings includes depictions of hunting scenes and local wildlife, making it one of the top historical and cultural landmarks to visit in Saudi Arabia.
Al Balad
When it comes to ancient towns that take you back in time, Al Balad never fails to disappoint. This incredible old town reflects the bustling city of Jeddah in the past. It features centuries-old buildings with traditional architecture that leaves everyone in awe. Traditional markets are also worth exploring, and you can try some delicious local delicacies from the bakeries.
Another fascinating thing about Al Balad is that it is also considered the gateway to Mecca. This ancient port city was used to welcome pilgrims who travelled to Mecca by sea. These pilgrims passed this town to go to Mecca for their pilgrimage. Therefore, the position of this ancient town in Islamic and Saudi history is undeniable.
You can look through various Umrah guides from authentic sources to learn about Umrah rituals. Moreover, you will have to prepare yourself physically and mentally as this act of worship demands a lot of physical and mental exertion. So, make sure that your mind is focused on this life-altering experience. And your body is prepared to get you through the journey without any health issues. You can start by eating healthy, meditating, and exercising before you embark on the spiritual journey. Learn more in this blog post.
To prepare for Umrah, consult authentic guides to understand the rituals. Physical and mental readiness is crucial, as this act of worship requires significant effort. Ensure your mind is focused on this transformative experience and your body is prepared to handle the journey without health issues. Begin by adopting a healthy diet, meditating, and exercising prior to embarking on this spiritual journey. For more detailed information, learn more in this blog post.
Final Words
Saudi Arabia doesn’t disappoint history and culture enthusiasts. The country has some of the most iconic historical and cultural landmarks. So, if you plan to visit Saudi Arabia soon, booking your flights as soon as possible is time. You can look for UK to Saudi Arabia flights through Saudi Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Wizz Air UK, and many more. Booking your flight in advance will ensure the cheapest deal. After that, you can decide how you want to spend your time in Saudi Arabia. As mentioned above, you can add the top historical and cultural landmarks to visit in Saudi Arabia, among many others.
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