Cultural sightseeing in Saudi Arabia. What to visit - museums, temples, castles and palaces

Historically, Arab tribes lived on the territory of the Arabian Peninsula. Many of them led a nomadic lifestyle. The prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam, was born in the VI century in Mecca. He started preaching there. Therefore, the city is still a center of attraction for Muslims around the world. Millions of pilgrims visit the Great Mosque of Mecca every year during the Hajj. The first building was built in the VI century. But the existing building belongs to the XVI century. The building has become able to accommodate more than a million visitors at a time after several renovations, including the recent one carried out in the XXI century. You can get in through one of the 95 gates. There are 9 minarets in the mosque. This is the largest number in the world. The cubic structure, which is the main Muslim Shrine, is located in the courtyard of the mosque. This is the Kaaba or "Holy House". The black stone is embedded in the corner of the structure. Scientists consider it a meteorite. Muslims believe that this stone was brought from Paradise. Only Muslims are allowed access to Mecca.

Mount Arafat is located 20 kilometers from Mecca. This is the place where the prophet delivered his last sermon. It is also included in one of the stages of the Hajj along with the Mina and Muzdalifa valleys. The Jamarat pedestrian bridge is located in the Mina valley. It is used by pilgrims during the ritual of Stoning Devil. The largest architectural complex in the world by mass is located in Mecca. This is Abraj al-Bait. The tallest clock tower in the world is included in the complex.

The Medina is also closed to adherents of religions other than Islam. This is due to the fact that Medina is the second Holy City of Muslims. The prophet Muhammad also lived and preached here. The al-Masjid al-Nabawi Mosque is the place of his burial. The style in which the mosque is built has become canonical for mosques around the world. Muhammad settled in this place after performing the Hijra. He started the construction of the mosque. The first mosque was open. It was a large courtyard that was a place of prayer, a religious school, and a community center. This building was subsequently rebuilt several times. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Quba Mosque is the oldest mosque in the world. It was also laid down by the Prophet. However, the construction of the mosque was completed by his supporters. Unfortunately, nothing remains of this mosque. The new mosque was built on its foundation in the XX century.

The ancient city of Ta'if was the center of worship of the goddess of the eponymous tribes. Its sanctuary was destroyed by Muhammad, who converted the inhabitants to Islam. Local tribes tried to stone Muhammad here in a place called Wadi Mitna. The famous Damask rose, which has 30 petals grow on the rose plantations of Ta'if. Peak flowering occurs in April. Rose petals are used in the perfume industry. Ta'if is a popular summer resort where foreigners are allowed.

Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia. The city is quite young. But it is developing rapidly. Only 160,000 people lived here in the 60s of the last century. The population is more than 7 million people today. You can see the oldest buildings in the city in the historical center of Batha. The National Museum is located here. Masmak fort is located near the museum. It was built in the XIX century. The tallest building in the capital is the Kingdom Center (Burj al-Mamlaka). This is a 90-story skyscraper. There are a hotel, mosque, offices, and apartments here. Murabba Palace was built as a country residence near the city at the beginning of the XX century. The palace is open to the public today.

The city of Al-Hofuf is located in Al-Ahsa Oasis. It is considered the cultural center of Saudi Arabia. According to legend, Leyla and Majnun died here. The ruins of the fortress walls and Ibrahim Palace are preserved in the city. The palace was built more than 500 years ago under the Ottoman Empire.

Jeddah in the district of Mecca was founded in the VII century. It began to develop rapidly when it became one of the points of the Hajj. The City Museum is full of interesting collections. It is located in a building of amazing beauty, which is more than 200 years old. You should take a walk around the Old Town in Jeddah. This is El-Balad, built up with old houses and mosques in a mixed Arab-Turkish style. The White Floating Mosque in Jeddah is located off the Red Sea coast. It is harmoniously integrated into the surrounding landscape. The building stands on stilts driven into the seafloor. The Fahd’s Fountain throws water to a height of 120 meters. It is a magnificent sight. The fountain is illuminated at night. Mada'in Saleh is a complex of rock burials. Their age is about 2000 years. Famous residents of the city of Hegra, which belonged to the Nabataean Kingdom with its capital in Petra, were buried here. Pre-Islamic rock inscriptions were found on the territory of the complex. Foreign tourists can visit the complex. However, they must get permission to do this. The most convenient way to do this is through a travel agency.