Riyadh Trip Overview
Explore Al Masmak Fortress, a mudbrick fort that played a fundamental role in the unification of Saudi Arabia. As we weave through Al Masmak Fortress, or as some people call it Al Masmak Palace, we’ll learn about Riyadh’s origin as a capital city back in the 1820s, the Recapture of Riyadh in 1902 and, finally, Al Masmak’s current role as a place of remembrance in 21st century Saudi Arabia.
Join Tom and local historian Yasmeen as we visit The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque and most of Al Masmak’s galleries, from the Courtyard and Historical Galleries, to the Pioneer’s rooms and Watchtower.
This immersive audio tour is the ultimate guide to Riyadh’s most historical neighbourhood, and can be downloaded anytime directly onto your smartphone.
Additional Info
Duration: 1 hour
Starts: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Riyadh Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia
Explore Al Masmak Fortress, a mudbrick fort that played a fundamental role in the unification of Saudi Arabia. As we weave through Al Masmak Fortress, or as some people call it Al Masmak Palace, we’ll learn about Riyadh’s origin as a capital city back in the 1820s, the Recapture of Riyadh in 1902 and, finally, Al Masmak’s current role as a place of remembrance in 21st century Saudi Arabia.
Join Tom and local historian Yasmeen as we visit The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque and most of Al Masmak’s galleries, from the Courtyard and Historical Galleries, to the Pioneer’s rooms and Watchtower.
This immersive audio tour is the ultimate guide to Riyadh’s most historical neighbourhood, and can be downloaded anytime directly onto your smartphone.
Stop At: Alsafat Square, شارع الثميري، الديرة، الرياض 12652،، Ad Dirah, Riyadh 12634, Saudi Arabia
Start the tour outside Al Masmak Fortress as we learn about the origins of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Royal Family.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Grand Mosque, Al Imam Turki Ibn Abdullah Ibn Muhammad, Riyadh Saudi Arabia
Wander around Al Safat Square, just outside Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Grand Mosque, a perfect example of just how much Riyadh has changed over the past 100 years.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Al Masmak Fortress, 3153 Al Thumairi St, Riyadh 12634 Saudi Arabia
As we approach Al Masmak’s gate, learn about the story of Abdulaziz’s recapture of Al Masmak Fortress back in 1902 where 63 men were tasked with taking on an entire city! Hear how Abdulaziz reunified the Arabian peninsula into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Al Masmak Fortress, 3153 Al Thumairi St, Riyadh 12634 Saudi Arabia
Enter Al Masmak’s courtyard as we hear what this structure has been used for during the past 100 years, from weapon storage to becoming a prison. Get a closer look at some of the design choices that have gone into the building, like how the second floor was designed as a maze so invaders, or escaping prisoners, wouldn’t be able to work their way around.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Al Masmak Fortress, 3153 Al Thumairi St, Riyadh 12634 Saudi Arabia
Head into the First Gallery to get a closer look at Saudi Arabia’s transformation over the past 300 years. Notice how fiercely contested the Western part of the Arabian Peninsula has been over recent centuries. This is because of its religious importance – it’s where the holy lands of Makkah and Madinah are located.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Al Masmak Fortress, 3153 Al Thumairi St, Riyadh 12634 Saudi Arabia
Look at a painting depicting King Abdulaziz’s 1902 recapture in the Second Gallery, then take a moment to look at the weapons in this room that match the weapons in this painting. When you’re ready, watch a short film inside the museum that depicts the 1902 recapture.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Al Masmak Fortress, 3153 Al Thumairi St, Riyadh 12634 Saudi Arabia
Visit the Pioneers Gallery which shows the names of those 63 men that travelled with King Abdulaziz. 10 are from the Saudi Royal Family and the rest are from different families from around the Arabian Peninsula. This room was opened at the end of a ceremony where the sons of these 63 pioneers were each awarded honoree medals.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Al Masmak Fortress, 3153 Al Thumairi St, Riyadh 12634 Saudi Arabia
Learn about traditional clothes worn across the Arabian Peninsula. For instance, the thoub, a traditional ankle length garment with long sleeves similar to a robe or tunic that’s predominantly worn by men. It’s usually made of cotton but can be woven with heavier materials like sheep’s wool for the winter. You’ve also got the Shumaq, which is the red scarf in the head, and the Taqiyyah, which is the hat underneath the Shumaq. Then there’s the Eqal, which is the back circular object on top of the Shumaq to hold it.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Al Masmak Fortress, 3153 Al Thumairi St, Riyadh 12634 Saudi Arabia
Venture into one of Al Masmak’s Watchtowers to get a closer look at Arabian architecture. Learn how separate regions around Saudi Arabia have very distinct architectural design due to their climates, taking a close look at the Hijaz region, Najd region, Asir region and the Eastern province.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Al Masmak Fortress, 3153 Al Thumairi St, Riyadh 12634 Saudi Arabia
Dive into the history of Riyadh at the Photographer’s Gallery and find a selection of photography from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. The city has grown from an area of one square kilometer and a population of 14,000 people in 1902 to an area of 1,500 square kilometers and a population of over 7,000,000 people in 2020.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Al Masmak Fortress, 3153 Al Thumairi St, Riyadh 12634 Saudi Arabia
Head into the most important yard in the fortress because of a water well. This well helped with the fortress’ strategy by providing water for over 6 months in case of enemy surroundings. Next to the well sits an Ottoman canon, which once let the people of Riyadh know when to break or begin their fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Al Masmak Palace Museum, 6937 Al Thumairi St, 3153, Riyadh 12634 Saudi Arabia
Finish the tour in the Final Gallery and have look at a model of Al Masmak Fortress. Learn how the crown is passed in the Saud Royal family, often handed to whoever is best placed to rule, not just according to direct bloodlines. Make sure to ask a representative of the museum about the temporary galleries and if there are any events in the area.
Duration: 5 minutes
