Al Ula - Old Town - Madinah Province

Al Ula - Old Town, also known as Deira, is an archaeological site near Al Ula in the Madina Province. It is one of the main attractions in Al-Ula as it consists of many ancient heritage buildings, mosques, and markets. All these ruins date back to about seven centuries, according to historians, and the town was inhabited up until the early 1980s.

Old Town and its Attractions

Visiting the old town provides researchers and historians with a rich history of the town’s settlers and pilgrims and how they constructed the city. The buildings inside were once built with original stones and mud bricks. There are around 900 houses built closely together and separated only by narrow alleys. 

There is also a castle called the Al-Ula Castle that can be traced back to the 10th century. The top of the castle provides a panoramic view of Al-Ula and an opportunity to take amazing pictures. Tourists can also walk around one of the main plazas of the town, the Tantora Plaza, which is built around the Tantora sundial. 

A handicraft pavilion has been established recently in the town that provides an insight into the crafts and arts that were practiced by the residents over generations. There are also other traditional shops that have antiques and furniture depicting the culture and history of the town. The people here are extremely friendly and welcoming, and visitors can catch a bite in the local restaurants that offer both indoor and outdoor dining.