- Location:
In the north-west of Saudi Arabia there is an ancient architectural complex - Madain Salih. It represents the ruins of the Nabataean city of Hegra, which several millennia ago was the center of caravan trade. Now only numerous tombs and rock burial sites attest to the former greatness of the ancient settlement.
History of Madain Salih
In the north-west of Saudi Arabia there is an ancient architectural complex - Madain Salih. It represents the ruins of the Nabataean city of Hegra, which several millennia ago was the center of caravan trade. Now only numerous tombs and rock burial sites attest to the former greatness of the ancient settlement.
History of Madain Salih
The heyday of the Nabatian city of Hegra came in the 200th years BC and the first 200 years of our era. It was located in the path of caravans, following from Egypt, Assyria, Alexandria and Phenicia. Thanks to large water reserves, generous harvests and a monopoly on the sale of incense and spices, the fortress Madain Salih quickly became one of the richest cities in the East.
In the 1st century AD it became part of the Roman Empire, after which it began to decline. In the era of the Ottoman Empire, the city was gradually emptied and due to winds and drought it began to collapse.
In 2008, Madin Salih was the first of all architectural monuments of Saudi Arabia to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in which it is listed as number 1293.
Unique monuments of Madain Salih
Through this shopping center merchants passed from different corners of the world, which, undoubtedly, affected its appearance. Now borrowed architectural techniques and elements can be found on the walls and facades of tombs. In total, 111 ancient rock burials dating back to the I century BC, as well as numerous walls, residential buildings, temples, towers and even hydraulic structures were preserved in Madain Salikh. The walls of many buildings are decorated with statues, reliefs and rock carvings of the Donabatean period.
Of the 131 ancient necropolis in the territory of Madain Salih in Saudi Arabia, there are four:
- Jebel al-Mahyar, decorated with small facade elements;
- Khazar al-Valad, consisting of 31 monumental rock tombs;
- Almintaqat C, which includes 19 tombs without ornaments;
- Jebel al-Hurayat, characterized by its huge size and large number of tombs.
The combination of different artistic styles, languages and special arrangement make the fortified settlement unlike other cities of that time. It is not for nothing that Madain Salih is called the "Capital of Monuments" of Saudi Arabia.
Visit to Madain Salih
To get acquainted with all the rock burials of the ancient settlement, you need to have a special permit. In this regard, visiting Madain Salih is easier as a part of excursion groups. Tourists traveling alone, you need to contact the guide or the tourist office.
The best time to get to know Madin Salih in Saudi Arabia is from November to March, because at this time the sun is the least active. You can stop in the city of Al-Ula, next to which there are equally interesting sand valleys.
How to get to Madain Salih?
In order to see the archaeological complex, you need to drive to the north-west of the kingdom. The monument of Madain Salih is more than 900 km from the capital of Saudi Arabia in the province of El Madina. The nearest town to it is Al-Ula, located 30 km to the south-west. Approximately 200-400 km away from it is Medina, Tabuk , Time and Khaibar.
Getting from Riyadh to Mada'in Salih is the easiest way to fly, which flies 2 times a week. Flights are operated by airlines Saudia, Emirates and Gulf Air. The flight lasts 1.5 hours, and from Medina - 45 minutes. The nearest airport is Al-Ula. Following from it on the road number 375, you can find yourself at the architectural complex in 40 minutes.