AlUla Old Town

AlUla Old Town is an impressive historical settlement nestled in the narrowest part of a fertile oasis in Saudi Arabia. Founded in the 12th century, this architectural complex of 900 mud-brick buildings is considered one of the most significant monuments of Islamic civil architecture in the region. The city served as an important trading hub at the crossroads of incense and pilgrimage routes, preserving its authenticity for many centuries.

A unique labyrinth of narrow streets, rarely exceeding three meters in width, was designed to protect residents from heat and external threats. Hundreds of houses, shops, and five city squares called "raha" are hidden within these walls. The citadel proudly towers over the entire settlement; historians believe its foundation may date back to the 10th century, offering guests of AlUla a magnificent view of the surroundings.

One of the city's gems is the Al-Tantora sundial. For centuries, this pyramidal structure served local farmers as a precise tool for determining the change of seasons and the timing of water distribution in the oasis. Today, after careful restoration under the auspices of the Royal Commission, the Old Town has been transformed into a "living museum" where the history of ancient caravans comes to life in every adobe brick.

When planning a visit to the AlUla Old Town, we recommend checking current information in advance on official tourism portals or through the social media channels of the Royal Commission for AlUla. Since the site is a protected historical monument, access rules and event schedules may change depending on the season.

To organize excursions with local storytellers (Rawis), it is best to use the official website or contact the AlUla visitor centers upon arrival.

A walk through the Old Town is an immersion into the atmosphere of ancient Arabia. Be sure to follow the specially designed walking route that leads through Tantora Square to the restored Al-Zawiya and Hamad bin Yunis mosques. To better understand the history of these places, we recommend using the services of a Rawi — a local storyteller who will reveal the secrets of each square and ancient house.

For panoramic view seekers, a climb to the AlUla Citadel is a must. From the walls of this ancient fortress, a breathtaking view of the labyrinth of red roofs and the endless greenery of palm groves opens up. After exploring the fortifications, stop by the western part of the town, where craft workshops are located: here you can not only buy traditional souvenirs but also try local cuisine, where the famous dates and citrus fruits from the local oasis play the leading role.

Photography enthusiasts should linger in the town until the pre-sunset hours. At this time, the soft light emphasizes the texture of the mud-brick walls, and the play of shadows in the narrow alleys creates perfect conditions for shooting. Don't forget to visit the historical sundial that gave its name to the famous winter festival held in AlUla.

The historical settlement of AlUla Old Town is located in the narrowest part of the valley of the same name in Saudi Arabia, along the busy Road 375. You can get here from AlUla Airport (ULH) in just 20–30 minutes by taxi or rental car. The path to the town runs through a picturesque oasis, offering views of majestic cliffs and palm groves.

For travelers arriving from Riyadh or Jeddah, domestic flights remain the most convenient way. Parking for private vehicles is provided at the main entrance to the Old Town, but it's worth considering that public transport in the region is poorly developed. For comfortable movement between historical sites, it is recommended to use a hotel transfer or join an organized tour.

During major cultural events, such as the Winter at Tantora festival, the Royal Commission for AlUla often organizes special shuttles connecting the main tourist points of AlUla.

The history of the AlUla Old Town is inextricably linked with the great trade routes of antiquity. Founded in the 12th century, it became a key hub on the legendary Incense Route and an important stop for pilgrim caravans traveling from the Levant to Mecca. The city's dense layout with its narrow alleys was dictated not only by the lack of space in the oasis but also by security considerations: such a labyrinth served as reliable protection against raids and the scorching desert sun.

The economic prosperity of the settlement was maintained for centuries thanks to a unique irrigation system. Groundwater allowed locals to grow grain, fruit, and the famous Arabian dates in the oasis. Surprisingly, life in these mud-brick houses did not stop until the 1980s, when the last families left the old quarters for more modern areas, leaving the town as a living monument to a bygone era.

The current appearance of the Old Town is the result of extensive restoration. Archaeological research confirms the continuity of cultures in this region: from the ancient civilizations of Dadan and Lihyan to Nabataean influence. Every adobe brick and every date palm trunk in the wall masonry holds the memory of centuries of trade, prayers, and daily labor in the heart of Arabia.

To leisurely walk along the main pedestrian route of the Old Town, climb to the ancient citadel, and look into the craft shops, a traveler will need about 2–3 hours. This time is quite sufficient to soak up the atmosphere of the place and take impressive photos against the backdrop of the ancient walls and the oasis.

If you are planning a deep immersion into the heritage of AlUla, including visits to the archaeological zones of Hegra and Jabal Ikmah, we recommend allocating from 2 to 4 days for the region. This will allow you to get acquainted with the history of Saudi Arabia without rushing, catching evening light shows or cultural festivals.

The AlUla Old Town is open to visitors year-round. Generally, access to the territory for self-guided walks is possible daily from dawn to sunset. However, it's worth remembering that this is a protected historical site, and the operating hours of individual zones or souvenir shops may vary.

To participate in organized guided tours, it is recommended to book a time in advance on official tourism portals. During festival periods, such as "Winter at Tantora", the Old Town's schedule may be extended for evening events and light installations.

Exploring the surroundings of the Old Town will allow you to complete the mosaic of impressions from this region. Just a few hundred meters away is the AlUla Old Town Castle Lookout, which offers the best panoramic view of the mud-brick roofs of the ancient settlement and the bright green strip of the oasis.

It is also worth paying attention to Tantora Square, where the unique sundial is located. If you want to relax in an elegant setting after an eventful walk, the Entrecôte Café de Paris restaurant is at your service, where modern gastronomy meets the authentic atmosphere of AlUla.