Madain-Saleh
Madain-Saleh is a stunning rock art complex and the oldest architectural monument in Saudi Arabia, dating back some 2,000 years. Towers, residential buildings and 111 monumental tombs are carved into the cliffs standing in the middle of the desert. In addition, the ancient city has the remains of a hydraulic system and about 50 inscriptions and drawings that date back to the even older pre-Nabataean period. Since 2008, the Saudi monument has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Video: Madain Salih
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The art and architecture of the Nabataean kingdom was shaped by different influences, so the traditions of the Egyptians, Phoenicians, Assyrians and Hellenistic Alexandria are noticeable in Madain-Salih. It is often compared to the famous Nabataean capital Petra, located 500 km from the ancient city, in modern Jordan.
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Architectural elements borrowed from different places are preserved on the facades of the ancient tombs. The buildings are decorated with statues and reliefs carved out of the rocks, and from the design of the tombs one can infer from which places this or that family came to the heart of the desert.
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The best time to visit Madain Salih is considered to be from late fall to early spring. At other times of the year it is very hot here, and walks under the scorching sun do not bring pleasure. For the convenience of tourists on the territory of the architectural complex laid concrete walkways, and to the entrances to the ancient buildings can be climbed on wooden stairs with railings.
.History of Madain Salih
About 2,000 years ago, the rich Nabataean city of Hegra stood in the dry Arabian Desert. Long, goods-laden caravans passed through it. The city’s prosperity began in the 2nd century B.C. and lasted about four centuries. The surrounding lands had enough water and produced good crops. Bales of incense, spices and spices were transported across the desert. The great flow of goods made Hegra one of the richest cities on Earth.
In the 2nd century, the desert city was conquered by the Romans. As the Roman Empire preferred to conduct trade by ship across the Red Sea, caravans across the desert gradually waned. The city lost its former influence and began to fall into disrepair..
The name “Madain-Salih”, which translates as “City of Salih”, came into being during the Islamization of the region and is associated with the name of the Prophet Salih. Under the Ottomans, a railroad was built near the ancient city to bring Lebanese, Turkish and Palestinian pilgrims to Mecca during the Hajj.
.Useful information for tourists
The unique architectural complex of Madain Salih is considered a national treasure of the Arab country, so a special permit is required to visit it. If the trip takes place as part of a tourist group, the permit is issued for all participants. Those who travel independently, can use the services of hotel staff or tourist guides in the city of Al-Ula, which is located 30 km from Madain-Salih. They will help with the necessary paperwork for a small fee.
.It is possible to stay overnight in Al-Ula. There are hotels here, and locals willingly rent rooms and apartments in guesthouses to foreign tourists all year round.
.How to get there
Madain Salih is located in the territory of Al-Madinah province, in the northwestern part of Saudi Arabia. It is 374 kilometers away from Medina and 1,064 kilometers away from Riyadh.
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The easiest way to get here is by air. Airplanes of the national carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines fly from Riyadh and Medina to Al-Ulu several times a week. The flight takes 35-45 minutes. From Al-Ula to Madain Salih, travelers get from Al-Ula to Madain Salih by cab or tour buses.
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