Journey Back in Time: Top Historical Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia
Considering the country’s historical significance, you get an authentic journey back in time while exploring the exceptional sites here. Anyone willing to travel to KSA soon to explore its history would want to know about the top historical places to visit in Saudi Arabia. It is such an enlightening and surprising experience that keeps everyone hooked.
Religious tourists have always enjoyed exploring the country’s Islamic heritage sites and historical landmarks. As soon as you enter the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah, you feel like you have made two steps closer to the religion. Exploring the historical places here tells you ancient tales about Islam, which is an authentic learning experience. However, you must know that the historical landmarks of KSA are much more than just Islamic historical and heritage sites.
Every US citizen going to KSA soon to explore its historical places would love to read this guide before putting together the itinerary.
Exploring Saudi Arabia: 7 Must-Visit Historical Places
The Grand Mosque
If you have booked Umrah from Houston, you will soon travel to Saudi Arabia for the voluntary pilgrimage. Those in the region for pilgrimage will surely visit the glorious Grand Mosque. This mosque houses the central pilgrimage site of the Muslims, the cubic structure known as the house of Allah Almighty. Performing Tawaf around this cubic structure, the Holy Kaaba, is one of the main rituals of Hajj and Umrah. There is a lot of history surrounding this glorious mosque, which makes it impossible not to mention it in the list of the top historical places to visit in Saudi Arabia.
Masjid an-Nabwi
Another of the most historic and religiously significant mosques in the country is Masjid an-Nabwi. Being the historic gem of Madinah, this mosque attracts millions of tourists every year, mainly religious tourists. This is also where Prophet Muhammad (SAW) rests until the day of resurrection. He laid the foundation of this mosque and visited it frequently during his life. Therefore, only a few historic places are as significant as this one.
Madain Salih
Madain Salih has recently caught the attention of tourists from around the globe. As one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in the region, this historic place will make your journey back in time worthwhile. A twin city to the world wonder in Petra, Jordan, Madain Salih offers an extraordinary historic retreat. You will be stunned to see the ancient yet well-preserved buildings and massive sandstone tombs here, which are awe-inspiring. You will feel like you have entered a history book page while exploring this historic place.
Al Balad
Among some of the most prominent historic towns of KSA is Al Balad or the Old Jeddah. This is the perfect place to learn about the history and slow life of the now highly developed, fast-paced Jeddah. Also, being one of the most prominent port cities of the country, it welcomed pilgrims who traveled by sea. This earned it the name Gateway to Makkah, where you will feel like you are tracing the footsteps of Muslims from hundreds of years ago. The ancient and traditional architecture, narrow streets, and fragrant bakeries give you the most unforgettable historical retreat.
Diriyah
Another historical town of KSA that has always been highly anticipated is Diriyah. History buffs are attracted to its ancient mud-brick architecture and spectacular Al Bujairi. Al Bujairi is a pedestrianized maze of winding alleyways that feature beautiful cafes and craft shops. So, this is not only the place where you will learn a lot about history but also the enticing, rich culture of past Saudi Arabia. This historical site is significant for KSA because it is the ancestral home of the Saudi royal family. You will have an immersive experience at this fascinating historical site of KSA.
Jawatha Mosque
Are you curious about how the mosques were built in the time of the Prophet (SAW)? You must not miss out on this 1400-year-old mosque. Even though it is mostly in ruins, it is still in its original state without renovations. Historians say this is the second mosque that hosted the obligatory Friday congregational prayers. Everyone is intrigued by the mosque’s architecture, which features clay and sandalwood. And the ancient yet unique design captivated everyone and took you back in time.
Jubbah Paleolithic Kingdom
Those who are into ancient rock carvings and art will love the Jubbah Paleolithic Kingdom at first sight. This site is 7000 years old and is the hub of multiculturalism in KSA, which makes it one of the top historical places to visit in Saudi Arabia. The rock art here depicts ancient people and animals, which is a truly enlightening experience.
Final Words
The next step after booking the Umrah 2025 packages is to determine what things you want to do in KSA. Whether you want a spiritual retreat alone or to indulge in the region’s history as well. You must think everything through before planning your time in the country. We have mentioned some of them above that you can add to your itinerary, but there are many more you can explore while in the country.