Al Masmak Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour

Discover the secret spots in Al Masmak Fortress, a mudbrick fort that played a fundamental role in the unification of Saudi Arabia, with this private immersive guide!  Guided by an expert historian, we’ll visit the historic building and discover the secret tales that live in this key sightseeing spot. As we weave through Al Masmak Fortress, or as some people call it the Al Masmak Palace, we’ll learn about Riyadh’s origin as a capital city and the Recapture of Riyadh in 1902. Finally, we’ll learn about Al Masmak’s current role as a place of remembrance in 21st century Saudi Arabia.  Together, we’ll embark on this epic adventure through time, and learn about the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque and most of Al Masmak’s galleries, from the Courtyard and Historical Galleries, to the Pioneer’s rooms and Watchtower. Note: This is a self-guided audio walking tour and does not include entrance tickets

Start the tour outside Al Masmak Fortress as we learn about the origins of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Royal Family.

Wander around Al Safat Square, just outside Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Grand Mosque, a perfect example of just how much Riyadh has changed over the past 100 years.

As we approach Al Masmak’s gate, learn about the story of Abdulaziz’s recapture of Al Masmak Fortress back in 1902 where 63 men were tasked with taking on an entire city! Hear how Abdulaziz reunified the Arabian peninsula into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Enter Al Masmak’s courtyard as we hear what this structure has been used for during the past 100 years, from weapon storage to becoming a prison. Get a closer look at some of the design choices that have gone into the building, like how the second floor was designed as a maze so invaders, or escaping prisoners, wouldn’t be able to work their way around.

Head into the First Gallery to get a closer look at Saudi Arabia’s transformation over the past 300 years. Notice how fiercely contested the Western part of the Arabian Peninsula has been over recent centuries. This is because of its religious importance – it’s where the holy lands of Makkah and Madinah are located.

Look at a painting depicting King Abdulaziz’s 1902 recapture in the Second Gallery, then take a moment to look at the weapons in this room that match the weapons in this painting. When you’re ready, watch a short film inside the museum that depicts the 1902 recapture.

Visit the Pioneers Gallery which shows the names of those 63 men that travelled with King Abdulaziz. 10 are from the Saudi Royal Family and the rest are from different families from around the Arabian Peninsula. This room was opened at the end of a ceremony where the sons of these 63 pioneers were each awarded honoree medals.

Learn about traditional clothes worn across the Arabian Peninsula. For instance, the thoub, a traditional ankle length garment with long sleeves similar to a robe or tunic that’s predominantly worn by men. It’s usually made of cotton but can be woven with heavier materials like sheep’s wool for the winter. You’ve also got the Shumaq, which is the red scarf in the head, and the Taqiyyah, which is the hat underneath the Shumaq. Then there’s the Eqal, which is the back circular object on top of the Shumaq to hold it.

Venture into one of Al Masmak’s Watchtowers to get a closer look at Arabian architecture. Learn how separate regions around Saudi Arabia have very distinct architectural design due to their climates, taking a close look at the Hijaz region, Najd region, Asir region and the Eastern province.

Dive into the history of Riyadh at the Photographer’s Gallery and find a selection of photography from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. The city has grown from an area of one square kilometer and a population of 14,000 people in 1902 to an area of 1,500 square kilometers and a population of over 7,000,000 people in 2020.

Head into the most important yard in the fortress because of a water well. This well helped with the fortress’ strategy by providing water for over 6 months in case of enemy surroundings. Next to the well sits an Ottoman canon, which once let the people of Riyadh know when to break or begin their fast during the holy month of Ramadan.

Finish the tour in the Final Gallery and have look at a model of Al Masmak Fortress. Learn how the crown is passed in the Saud Royal family, often handed to whoever is best placed to rule, not just according to direct bloodlines. Make sure to ask a representative of the museum about the temporary galleries and if there are any events in the area.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

• Al Masmak Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
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• Offline Mode: Download tours in advance to listen without WiFi
• Location Aware: GPS map allows you to enjoy sites, without getting lost
• Access to your self-guided audio tour
• Instagram Hotspots: We find the spot for your perfect picture
• Audio tour provided by a local or historian

• Headphones
• Mobile device
• Entrance to Al Masmak

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You will receive a separate email from Vidi Guides with an access link to your tour

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Vidi Guides.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Asia/Riyadh.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 1 Stars based on 4 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.