Riyadh, Riyadh, Najd, Saudi Arabia
Fortress · Saudi · 19th Century
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, as it was here that the recapture of Riyadh, led by Ibn Saud, occurred on 14 January 1902.
Construction: 1865 – 1895
Founder: Abdulrahman ibn Sulaiman ibn Dabaan
Key figures: King Abdulaziz
Significance: The site of the 1902 raid by King Abdulaziz that led to the unification of Saudi Arabia.
- 1865: Built by the prince of Riyadh
- 1902: Captured by King Abdulaziz
- 1995: Converted into a museum
Architectural styles: Najdi
Materials: Clay, Mud Brick
- Watchtowers: Four circular watchtowers at the corners.
- The Gate: Wooden gate with the spear tip of King Abdulaziz still embedded in it.
- Majlis: Traditional sitting room.
Opening hours: 08:00 - 12:00, 16:00 - 20:00 (summer) · 08:00 - 12:00, 16:00 - 20:00 (winter) – Closed Friday mornings.
- General: €0.00
Accessibility: Accessible.
Official site: http://www.sauditourism.sa
Address: Al Imam Turki Ibn Abdullah Ibn Muhammad, Ad Dirah, Riyadh 12652, Saudi Arabia
Coordinates: 24.6312, 46.7134