Fort Masmak in Riyadh

© Umm Latifa in Saudi Kingdom

© Umm Latifa in Saudi Kingdom

© Umm Latifa in Saudi Kingdom

All photos published originally on my blog Arabia Saudyjska

Qaṣr al-Maṣmak قصر المصمك

Located on Al Imam Turky Ibn Abdullah Ibn Muhammed street in Ad-Dira, Riyadh, the Masmak Fort is one of the main attractions. Not only does the Fort represent the recent culture in the area but also is a focal point in history of Riyadh and that of the nation. The word 'masmak' means strong, thick and fortified. The castle was constructed during Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Rasheed's reign and came under King Abdulaziz's rule, when Riyadh was conquered. This represents the turning point in King Abdulaziz’s efforts to unify the country. |it's open to the public, as the Al Riyadh Development Authority has converted it into a museum.

The four 18-meter high cylindrical Watch Towers which are located on each corner have rifles placed around them. Viewing the cool Diwan (sitting room of the King), the old Mosque with the (modern) clock tower or the Fort’s Main Gate where supposedly during the battle in which Al-Saud captured the fort, Ibn Jalawi threw his spear and its tip broke off in the gate and can still be seen today, is a trip into tradition and history. The Diwan is a large rectangular room with a marvelous traditional Arabic seating. The Castle Gate is one of the most prominent structures of this palace standing at 3.6 meters high and 2.65 meters wide. The gate is made from the trunks of the palm and the tamarisk trees. There is small gate in the center, which allows only one person at a time to enter the castle premises.

The architecture is a wonderful display of culture and function. The mud buildings were made in such a way that the adobe (clay mixed with hay or grasses) acted as a natural insulation from the heat during the summer and the cold during the winter. The tall ceilings allowed the hot air flow to rise up to the ceilings where the small windows pulled the air out. 

It is open from Saturdays to Thursdays. The visiting hours of the castle are from 8 a.m. till 12 noon and from 4 p.m. till 9 p.m.

The Al Musmak Castle in Riyadh is one of the major venues to go for sightseeing in Riyadh. The grandeur of this old structure and its historical significance has made it a major tourist attraction of the city.

Street: Imam Turki bin Abdullah
Tel: (01) 41 10 091

source: http://www.ksau-hs.edu.sa/English/LifeInCampus/Pages/TheMasmakFort.aspx