Top Historical Sites in Southern Saudi Arabia 

There is more to Saudi Arabia than just Jeddah or Riyadh. Travel a little south to see the lesser-frequented side of the kingdom. From green hills to one of the world’s largest sand deserts, southern Saudi Arabia is a natural tressure. These gorgeous landscapes are further packed with historical sites that are a window to the past of the Arabian Peninsula. With ancient valleys roaring of the lost civilisations, the Land of Two Mosques is a gold mine for cultural history buffs. 

Historical Places in Najran

Najran is a region between two very different worlds. One side is lush with ‘Asir’s Sarawat mountains, while the other side is the arid desert of Rub’ Al-Khali. Sprawling through its landscape are historical sites offering insight into a bygone era. Some of these remnants even date back to the very first millennium BCE.

The most fascinating site in the Najran Province is its traditional village of Abu As-Su’ud. It transports visitors to the ancient era of mud-brick houses. One can take a leisurely stroll in the old streets of the village to observe its multi-storied houses, central courtyards, white paintings, and Yemeni style.

Another enchanting historical place in Najran is its Al-Ukhdood archaeological site. A booming trade centre during the 8^th century BCE, Al-Ukhdood sings of its wealthy past through three sizeable edifices – Emarah Palace, Al-Aan Palace, and Ra’um Castle. 

Historical Places in Jizan City

Jizan also spelled Jazan, is a port city that offers lovely recreational Red Sea shores to saunter around after sunset. Nestled in the southwest area of the kingdom, the region acted as an anchorage for the vessels travelling between hinterlands and the Hejan, Yemen, and Indian Ocean. Later, during the 18^th-century, the town started trading coffee, before becoming a hub for pealing industry in the 20^th century.

One of Jizan’s popular tourist attractions is Farasan Island. Tourists come here to enjoy sunset and untouched marine life. However, hidden amid Farasan’s natural beauty are several historical gems of Saudi Arabia – the Ottoman Fort, the Heritage Village, old mosques, homes of 20^th-century pearl merchants, and coral houses. 

Historical Places in ‘Asir

With unexpected foliage, forests, and verdant hills, ‘Asir offers a fresh respite from Saudi heat. The area is also famous for its unique heritage that reflects in the region’s long-standing ruins. Thousands of years old, these archaeological sites take spectators back into pre-Islamic Arabian days.

Among the many beautiful olden spots of the city is Al-Muftaha Heritage Village which has an on-site three-story museum that itself is 150 years old. 

Located north of Abha Asir is one of the largest historical projects of the region, Bin Adwan Heritage village. It has an exhaustive on-site museum composed of 12 various sections. There is another museum dedicated to agriculture and adjacent to it is a heritage hotel for guests.

Located in ‘Asir’s Tihama area is the city’s most important heritage village called Rijal Almaa. It boasts high, stone-made buildings, some of them as high as seven stories. There are three museums in the village, one of which is a fort-turned-museum which was established in 1985 by the local inhabitants to save their regional heritage. 

Final Word

Any intrepid traveller looking for distinguished adventure must visit south of the kingdom. Things to do in Saudi Arabia’s southern region are in plenty. Do not reject it without paying a visit. You will find it was worth it all along.