Province
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Al-Ula Aistorical Village
| The area around the town includes some of the most important archeological sites in the Kingdom in addition to several major historical sites, and is the gateway to the ancient Nabatean city of Madain Saleh |
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Al-Ula is a modern town, with the most complete 'old town' in Saudi Arabia. It has been occupied for over 2000 years and used to be a stopping point on the old trade route. This later became Darb Sham - the Egyptian Hajj road heading to Makkah. The old Hejaz railway between Damascus and Madinah passed through Al-Ula.
In the western section of the new town you'll be able to find Al-Ula Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography, a small internet cafe and an ATM.
Heading north out of town there is Old Al-Ula with 500 houses and the remnants of the city wall and gates. As you enter from the new town, there is a landmark sundial on the roof of the first house. On the other side of town, to the north, is Qala'at Musa Abdul Nasser which rises out of the surround rock like a natural outcrop.
Further north again, you come to Umm al-Daraj (the Mother of Steps) which is a Lihyanite (a civilization which predates the Nabateans) monument. You'll need a guide to find it, but the view at the top is spectacular.
To the north west of Al-Ula are two extraordinary archaeological excavations. The first are the Al-Khuraibba Tombs (the Abandonned place) which are cut into the cliff-face along the eastern wall of the wadi. The tombs can only be viewed from the distance, but still make an interesting stop. Lions have been carved about the small tombs - this is an unusual motive in Arabia, and the site is sometimes referred to as 'The Lion's Tomb'.
11km north of Al-Ula is Elephant Rock (Sakharat al-Fil) a towering monolith carved by the wind from soft, red sandstone. Camping is possible in the area, although not under the rock itself.
Al-Ula Museum of Archaelogy and Ethnography
Tel: +966-(0)2-8841536
Sat - Wed: 8.30am - 2pm
Excellent displays of local geology and pilgrim routes through the area. It is also a good introduction to Nabataean society.
There are only two hotels in Al-Ula. Both will, with enough notice, arrange permits and day trips to archaelogical sites including Madain Saleh.
Medain Saleh Hotel and Resort
Tel: +966-(0)2-884 2888‚
info@mshotel.com.sa
Arac Hotel Al-Ula
Tel: +966-(0)2-884 4444
hotelalula@arac.com.sa |
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