Located in the old city of Ad Diriyah in the northwestern outskirts of Riyadh, the historic At Turaif World Heritage Site was the original home of the royal family of Saudi Arabia and represented the capital of their dynasty up till 1818. The Al Turaif is a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts many local and international tourists every year. It is also famous for its Najdi architectural style, which is specific to the Arabian Peninsula. The At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage site is essentially an open air museum which allows visitors to experience the birthplace of Saudi Arabia.
Attractions
In 2018 the Saudi government launched a massive restoration process in the historic At Turaif District in an attempt to document the archaeological sites of the district and turn it into an open air museum.
At Turaif World Heritage Site is nothing less than a gateway into the past. The architecture, the alleyways, and the artifacts give you an insight into what the capital of the first Saudi state looked like. It is also home to a number of museums that house different handicrafts, weapons, and utensils from the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
There are also a number of historically important sites in this district including the Salwa Palace, Saad bin Saud Palace, At Turaif Bath House, and the Imam Mohammad bin Saud Mosque. The Salwa Palace is four stories tall which makes it the largest palace in all of Diriyah whereas the Saad bin Saud Palace, though much smaller in size, is equally as beautiful with its lush courtyards and traditional mud walls.
The At-Turaif World Heritage Site is located opposite the Al Bujairi Heritage Park in Diriyah which is home to the newly opened Bujairi Terrace which is a world class fine dining destination with over 20 international and local restaurants and cafes.
