Hegra, also known as Al-Hijr or Mada’in Salih, is a remarkable archaeological site in northwestern Saudi Arabia, dating back to the 1st century AD. As the southernmost city of the Nabataean Kingdom, Hegra served as a vital trading hub along ancient caravan routes, connecting Arabia, the Levant, and the Mediterranean. The site contains 111 tombs carved into sandstone cliffs, 94 of which bear intricate facades adorned with Nabataean inscriptions and enigmatic reliefs.
The precision of the stonework reflects the Nabataeans’ advanced skills in engineering and rock-cut architecture, yet questions remain about how they achieved such sophistication in a harsh desert environment. Among the most iconic structures is the “Qasr al-Farid,” or “The Lonely Castle,” a solitary tomb left unfinished, hinting at untold stories behind its construction. The facades of Hegra’s tombs also display a blend of artistic influences, from Greek to Mesopotamian, raising further questions about the reach of Nabataean culture.
Designated as Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra offers a glimpse into a civilization that thrived in the desert, yet its inscriptions, symbols, and abrupt decline leave mysteries for researchers yet to uncover.
Here’s Why You Must Visit The Magical City Of AlUla In Saudi Arabia!
The ancient city of AlUla in Saudi Arabia offers a myriad of options for travellers to choose from when the city opens itself to tourists in 2020.
Commanding rock formations, captivating sand dunes, and archaeological ruins including sites that trace a region with over 200,000 years of human history, much of which is yet to be fully discovered – AlUla unveils itself to the discerning traveller layer by layer in an unhurried manner. Add to this, the charm of the 12-week desert carnival of ‘Winter at Tantora‘ that takes you back thousands of years and further elevates your experience. By Amitha Ameen
тιԍнтly packed mud and stone houses, rising red-sandstone cliffs and a general mystery in the air is what one can except while stepping into AlUla. Apart from being home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra (also known more recently as Mada’in Salih), AlUla also played capital to the ancient kingdoms of Dadan and Lihyan.
Within a short span of time, the ancient caravan city of AlUla in northwest Saudi Arabia has gone from being relatively unknown to fast becoming the most sought-after destination for travellers across the world.
