Al Masmak Fortress
Al Masmak Fortress
4.5
About
This property is temporary closed This renovated 19th-century mud fortress looks like a giant sandcastle, and contains costumes, handicrafts, a sitting room, a courtyard and a well.
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- PeteDalton71Ascot, United Kingdom145 contributionsHistorical area of the city, great for an evening tour.A great place to visit in the evening. The historical fort is free to access with excellent commentary and exhibits. The external walls are illuminated , adding to the ambience. The fort is located next to the old square , surrounded by cafes, a mosque and a royal palace. The square has historical and cultural significance and is well worth a visit. There are some great outdoor cafes between the Fort and Square. Be cautious about photographs in between the square and the royal palace area, this is a sensitive area. The large flag is spectacular , nearby are ships and a Souq.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten October 20, 2023
- Jess B4 contributionsHistory and Beauty for FreeBeautiful and historical site both day and night. Spent a couple of hours here to visit the Al Masmak museum, grab a small bite to eat and watch the sunset as the mosque was calling people to prayer. Highly recommend (free)Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten October 30, 2023
- KemenySkopje, Republic of North Macedonia2,013 contributionsHistorical walk in the fortressOne of the oldest historical monuments in the city, therefore it shall be visited if you are in Riyadh. You can learn about the history of the country and the establishment of the Emirate of Riyadh. The fortress played an integral role in the Unification of Saudi Arabia, with the Battle of Riyadh, one of the most important conflicts of the Saudi unification. Various exhibitions can be found in the fortress.Visited November 2023Travelled on businessWritten November 19, 2023
- SundncrWashington DC, District of Columbia1,116 contributionsWonderfully preserved fort and musuemI took a taxi straight from the airport to this historical area of Riyadh. This is the Saudi Arabia I envisioned and wanted to visit. The rest of Riyadh is like any other modern metropolis. It takes about an hour plus in traffic to reach. The whole area was an island of calm and peace. There is paid parking. The fort/museum was well preserved. You can learn a lot about desert lifestyle in the past and the history of the modern Saudi state. After a visit to the museum, there is plenty of shopping to do in the bylanes. Most items looked of good quality. The best purchase would be the famous Arabian Oud and merchants sell them by the gram here.Visited January 2024Travelled soloWritten January 26, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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WMBandit
Shanghai, China2,061 contributions
Jan 2020
Really enjoyed my visit to Masmak Fortress. Wonderful informative guide who shared with me the history and importance of the fortress and the role it plays for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Love the bullet holes and the spearhead jammed in the front gate as well as the friendly staff. Love the dates and coffee offered as well. Toilet facilities nice- good display of old photos and other objects on display. Nice gift shop and I sense great things to come for tourism in the Kingdom. In the future, they will introduce audioguides and multi-lingual guides. Close to the Souq and restaurant with parking right next to the fortress
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Menno Fo NL
Erlangen, Germany193 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Masmak Fort is a nice way to learn about the history of Saudi Arabia and the Najd region.
The building is beautiful and the explanation of what one can see is good
We spend 1 hour in and around.
At the square next to the fort a nice restaurant is located where coffee or tea w dates are served
The building is beautiful and the explanation of what one can see is good
We spend 1 hour in and around.
At the square next to the fort a nice restaurant is located where coffee or tea w dates are served
Written January 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jess B
4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Beautiful and historical site both day and night. Spent a couple of hours here to visit the Al Masmak museum, grab a small bite to eat and watch the sunset as the mosque was calling people to prayer. Highly recommend (free)
Written October 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louis
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates137 contributions
Jul 2022
This is a really nice place for a short visit – the architectural structure of the castle is well preserved and gives nice glimpse how it was 150 years ago. Its free of charge, only parking lot costs 5 SAR if you like to park there. Many photos inside show the history of this place and about the 40 man that conqueros the castle lead by Abdelazis to give starting point of nowadays KSA.
Written August 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hormiga022
Cordoba, Argentina124 contributions
Jun 2022
This is a great place to go and learn about the history of Saudi Arabia. You will also learn about the main city of Riyadh.
Also, you will find out that the castle is still built-in with the original raw materials. One of their kind.
Also, you will find out that the castle is still built-in with the original raw materials. One of their kind.
Written September 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kemeny
Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia2,013 contributions
Nov 2023 • Business
One of the oldest historical monuments in the city, therefore it shall be visited if you are in Riyadh. You can learn about the history of the country and the establishment of the Emirate of Riyadh. The fortress played an integral role in the Unification of Saudi Arabia, with the Battle of Riyadh, one of the most important conflicts of the Saudi unification. Various exhibitions can be found in the fortress.
Written November 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KGB777
Singapore, Singapore41,257 contributions
Nov 2019
This is one of the few sites to take in when visiting Riyadh. The fortress looks like it has been recently restored and is in quite good condition. A few displays inside on various aspects of Saudi Arabian history to take in. Definitely worth a look when you're in RIyadh.
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
campervanman_12
Newbury, UK20 contributions
Nov 2019
A free trip back into the history of the city. It’s not full of interactive exhibits, but is a chance to gain some understanding to the spectacular Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
If you are in the city of Riyadh it is one of the places you must visit.
If you are in the city of Riyadh it is one of the places you must visit.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tomashusek
Rusovce, Slovakia69 contributions
Jan 2020
This is a perfect first stop in Saudi Arabia. A well run small museum depicting the birth of SA. Few people, no crowds and you learn something. The story of Ryiadh itsef is incredible. To grow to more then 5 millions people when 80 years ago there were only 4000 families living here. We spent here and easy hour and continued on. A great start.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dbemol
Bern, Switzerland175 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Al-Masmak Fortress is an elegant building at night and equally impressive during the day. The visit is free (October 2023). The many items on display (daily utensils, weapons, clothes, maps) and simply being in this fortress of historical importance for the city of Riyadh and the entire country are well worth a visit. It's also worth strolling through the nearby souk, which covers a huge area
Written October 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is family day? Can men visit on their own on family day?
Written February 18, 2024
Hi, oh just a day out for the family, no cultural meaning. And yes men can,anyone can. We had a solo male traveller in our entourage. The team were awesome and went above and beyond.
Written February 19, 2024
As a female, do I have to wear an abaya or is full pants, full shirt and headscarf considered appropriate attire?
Written January 2, 2020
Your question comes at a time of social change, as you probably know. An abaya is not strictly required; ''modest dress'' is (whatever that might mean). I notice that most expat women still wear abayas in conservative parts of town, so perhaps they feel more comfortable that way. It's not warm enough at the moment to make much difference.
As for a head scarf, my wife has never worn one, even with an abaya.
Hope this helps. Perhaps post your experience so other people learn from you.
Written January 3, 2020
Absolutely! But only when dressed properly.
Written July 3, 2018
what is the timings for entry on Friday's?
and batchelors allowed on Fridays?
Written March 30, 2018
Bachelors are allowed. Friday opens at 4pm. Parking is under construction but you can park a few blocks from the museum.
Written March 31, 2018
WHich days are family days, which ones are men only? According to 1 website: Sat Mon Wed, another website: all days men expect Thursdays, another website: Sun Tues Thurs. I'm lost
Written January 12, 2016
Sorry, the only thing I know is that it opens at 4Pm and closes at 9. I managed to get there in the middle of the day and they were very nice and let me in.
Written April 6, 2018
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