Al Masmak Fortress
Al Masmak Fortress
Al Masmak Fortress (3153 Al Thumairi Street, Riyadh) — the Masmak is a clay and mud-brick fort, with four watchtowers and thick walls, founded on stone blocks, lying in the center of Riyadh, in the old quarters. This building played a major part in the kingdom’s history. In 1902, King Abdul Aziz ibn Saud (the founder of modern-ay Saudi Arabia stormed his ancestral home, which was previously seized by Mohammed ibn Abdullah bin Rasheed in the late 19th century. From Al Masmak, King Abdul took control over the rest of Riyadh, and united the country’s Arabian tribes. From there, the modern-day Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was formed.
The fort acted as King Abdul’s palace until 1938. It went through some renovations during the 1980s, and became a museum in 1995. The museum chronicles the rise of the Saudi nation with exhibits that include paintings, photos, and antiquities like the guns & swords used in the battles that led to the creation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Free admission. Hours: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Saturdays to Thursdays).