Masmak


One of the youngest and at the same time large countries of the Arabian Peninsula - Saudi Arabia - boasts a unique history of founding. This purpose is served by a museum that used to be a fort that defended the city ​​of Riyadh from raids by enemy invaders.

One of the youngest and at the same time large countries of the Arabian Peninsula - Saudi Arabia - boasts a unique history of founding. This purpose is served by a museum that used to be a fort that defended the city ​​of Riyadh from raids by enemy invaders. Masmak Castle, which some 100 years ago was used for its intended purpose, now opens the doors to tourists interested in the history of the formation of an independent Arabian state.

History of the castle

Founded in 1865 before last century Masmak according to European norms can hardly be considered ancient. But for Saudi Arabia, which was officially recognized by the state only in 1932, Masmak is a real historical value. In 1902, he was captured by the brothers Abdul-Aziz and Muhammad ibn Abdurahman, after which the country gained a new turn in development.

What's interesting in the museum?

The first thing that attracts attention in the castle Masmak - its architecture. The building has powerful high walls, laid out of light sandstone, and narrow windows. This was necessary in order to minimize the probability of hitting shells through them. Everywhere can be traced the canons of medieval fortification architecture. The fortress has a regular quadrangular shape, the walls are crowned with sharp teeth, and in the corners there are round towers.

Now inside the Masmak fortress there is a museum that was decided to open in 1999. Its exposition is evidence of the political activities of the first king and founder of Saudi Arabia Abdul-Aziz. The walls of the museum are decorated with interactive screens showing pictures from the history of the state. In addition, you can watch patriotic video. Outside on their former places are various defensive weapons.

Tough restorers of the museum managed to restore in its original form the so-called "sofa" - a local medieval hotel. It has a small patio decorated with intricate carvings, in which 6 doors lead from the main room.

How to get to the Masmak Museum?

There is an ancient fortress in the territory of modern Riyadh . From the city center, it is easy to get there by car using King Fahd Rd or road number 65.