Al Masmak Fortress
A 19th-century fortress and collection of artifacts offer a tour of Saudi history.

📜 19th-century clay and mud-brick fortress in Riyadh, pivotal in the unification of modern Saudi Arabia.
🔍 Houses historical artifacts, including guns and a working well.

Why Go

🏰 Explore Saudi history and the story of the kingdom's unification
🛍️ Enjoy a bustling market (suq) nearby with various shops
🎥 Watch a video detailing the fort's history (Arabic with English subtitles)
🆓 Free admission

Why Avoid

🥵 Can be very hot depending on the time of year
🚺 Specific visiting times for women, advisable to go in a small group

Tips

⏰ Fort and market close daily between 12 noon and 4 p.m.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Thursdays are exclusively for families (mixed company)

Cost

💰 Free admission.

Hours

🕒 Sat-Thu: 8 a.m.

  • 12 noon & 4 p.m.
  • 9 p.m. Fri: 8 a.m.
  • 4 p.m.

Last updated 1 day ago

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