Madinah Province
Historical Site

Al Ula - Old Town - Madinah Province

4.7Reviews
بلدة العلا القديمة AlUla Old Town, 375, Al Ula Saudi Arabia
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Description

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. 

 

Destination Type
Area of Natural Beauty
Historical Site
Landmark

Location

بلدة العلا القديمة AlUla Old Town, 375, Al Ula Saudi Arabia

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Reviews

Reviews
4.7
Excellent
from 35 reviews
Excellent
25
Very Good
8
Good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
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0.0
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Reviews
Ahmed Jaber

Ahmed Jaber

03/11/2023 11:47

Google review

Back to history. This is what you get when you visit the place. It’ll be memorable. Highly recommended to time your visit towards winter, December, January and February will be a prefect window to plan being there. Shops and activities are mostly ready afternoon, say 4pm onwards. Enjoy the visit.
Nawaz Mughal

Nawaz Mughal

02/19/2023 12:10

Google review

Once a place of nearly 900 homes, 400 shops and 5 town squares, much of the Old Town of AlUla’s mud brick and stone architecture still survives today. A citadel perched on a prominent outcrop along the eastern edge is still accessible via a restored staircase. Those interested in history will be delighted to discover that this site was occupied within recent memory, offering unique opportunities to gather and share oral histories encapsulating a disappearing way of life.
Travel With Presly

Travel With Presly

12/13/2022 10:44

Google review

This is a historical place with a lot of entertainment and cafés , love the Arabian hospitality and culture. You can blend in with the past and be in awe of the high hills beside. A must visit place . Best month to visit is Nov to Feb when it’s cold.
Tahani KB

Tahani KB

10/21/2022 23:32

Google review

We as a group have visited The Old Town after the Sunset. We couldn't have the chance to see the old buildings but the Souq has a very Attractive ambience. Lightning, Design and decorations were a Plus ??. The shops mostly selling hand crafts, sevoneir and local products. It's a place were u can have a coffee and dinner and enjoy the atmosphere. I highly recommend it ??.
David

David

01/12/2022 08:08

Google review

The old town is nice. Lots of places to do shopping. I wanted to go to the top of a tower to see the view of the old town but the people at the tourist desk told me tickets sell out quickly even though the tower had no tourist when I tried to enter. Still sold out. I hope they sell tickets for people who just want to see the top of the tower.
Showing 16 - 20 of 35 total
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