Palaces of Saudi Arabia

The history of Saudi Arabia counts several millennia. For all this time, the kingdom has experienced many historically important events - from the spread of Islam and the rule of the Oman Empire to the unification of several sultanates and the formation of a modern state. Each of these epochs has imposed typos on the culture, traditions and architecture of the kingdom.

The history of Saudi Arabia counts several millennia. For all this time, the kingdom has experienced many historically important events - from the spread of Islam and the rule of the Oman Empire to the unification of several sultanates and the formation of a modern state. Each of these epochs has imposed typos on the culture, traditions and architecture of the kingdom. This is especially true of the palaces of Saudi Arabia, where monarchs lived and still live, who do not like to deny themselves anything. In terms of size, they can compete with the best royal residences in Europe, and they have no equal in luxury furniture around the world.

List of palaces of Saudi Arabia

Most of the old and modern residences are concentrated in the major cities of the kingdom. However, the provinces of Saudi Arabia also boast of ancient palaces that once belonged to well-known sheikhs or representatives of the royal family. Some of them collapsed, in others historical and ethnographic museums are placed, and still others are used for their intended purpose.

The list of the most famous palaces of Saudi Arabia includes:

1. Al-Yamamah ( Riyadh ). The official residence of the incumbent King of Saudi Arabia was built in the traditional Oriental style. Here is the office and headquarters of the monarch.
2. Al-Murabba (Riyadh). One of the most ancient buildings of the capital was built in 1938 by King Abdul Aziz. Originally it was used as a home for members of the royal family and the royal court. Now it houses the historical center of King Abdul Aziz.
3. Tuvayk (Riyadh). This unique structure was built in 1985 with the participation of the royal family and the UN World Organization. Used for government purposes for state receptions and cultural festivals, in which the Saudi Arabian art and traditions are demonstrated to the international community.
4. Al-Hakam (Riyadh). The residence of the emirate of Riyadh was built in 1747 during the reign of Dham Bin Dawas. Since then and to this day, the building area of ​​11500 square meters. m is used for government purposes. There are meetings of the royal council and world-class events.
5. Al-Masmak (Riyadh). Ancient brick fortress was erected in 1895 by order of Prince Abdul Rahman bin Dabban. At first it was used as a fortification structure, then - storage of weapons and ammunition, and now it houses the historical museum of the city.
6. Qasr al-Sakkaf ( Mecca ). The two-story building, built in 1927, was used as the royal residence and government center under King Abdul Aziz and King Saud bin Abdul Aziz. In 2010, the High Commission for Tourism and Antiquities transferred the building of Heritage Hotels, which is currently engaged in its restoration.
7. Arva ibn al-Zubayr ( Medina ). Now it is the ruins of an ancient palace complex built by the order of Sheikh Erv bin Zubayr. Some of its buildings have been preserved in good condition.
8. Huzam (Jiddah). The former residence of King Abdul Aziz Al Saud was built in 1928-1932 under the leadership of Muhammad bin Laden. Now it is used as the Regional Museum of Archeology and Ethnography of Jeddah.
9. Kashla (Hail). The palace complex is a two-storey building of rectangular elongated shape, which houses 83 rooms, a mosque , a prison and outbuildings. For all its existence, the palace has been used as a military headquarters and police department, and now it houses a cultural center.
10. Barzan (Hail). Three-storey complex with an area of ​​300,000 square meters. m was built in 1808 by the order of Prince Muhammad bin Abdul-Muhsin Al-Ali. In 1921, was destroyed by order of Ibn Saud, displaced from the city of the emir Al-Rashid.
11. Shadda (Abha). The foundation year of this palace complex is 1820. Originally it was used as a royal residence, and now it houses a museum.
12. Beit el Bassam (Unaiza). One of the oldest clay palaces, built by traditional techniques. In this house with high ceilings, auctions, folklore events and exhibitions are held, where you can see old photographs, pottery and other local crafts.
13. Khuzam (Al-Ahsa). The historical palace was built in 1805 during the era of Imam Saud bin Abdul Aziz Al-Kabir. It is a square fort in which roaming Bedouins can purchase essential goods, weapons, ammunition, etc.
14. The palace of King Abdul Aziz (Doadmi). The former royal residence was built in 1931 by famous architects of the time. On an area of ​​1000 square meters. m housed the Council of the King, a mosque, a prison, a kitchen and warehouses. Currently, it is being reconstructed under the management of Al-Jazeera Gate.
15. The palace is Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab Al-Faikhaini (El-Katif). The palace complex of 8000 square meters. m was built in 1884-1885. Until the late 1970's, all of its walls fell one after another. Currently, the reconstruction is underway.
16. Ibn Taali (at Taif). Another dilapidated castle of the country was built in 1706 by the brothers Idom and Malfi bin Taali. Near it are several roads, which used to be pilgrims from Iraq.
17. Palace of Salma (Aflaj). It represents the ruins of an ancient palace complex built by Prince Hammad Al-Jumaili.
18. Sobha (Aflaj). Another ruins of the ancient palace, located in the Aflaj district. Here were born representatives of the ruling dynasties of Kuwait (Al-Sabah) and Bahrain (Al-Khalifa), who because of conflicts in the family emigrated for the territory of the kingdom.

All operating palaces, fortresses and ancient ruins of Saudi Arabia are under the administration of the High Commission for Tourism and Antiquities. Its members monitor the condition of the facilities and look for sponsors for restoration work. This allows you to maintain the ancient buildings in a normal state.