AL BASTA DISTRICT

Hidden away in the narrow streets of some of the city's newer buildings is one of its oldest quarters. Unfortunately, only a handful of traditional adobe houses and barns remain, but they perfectly capture the traditional architectural features of the Asir province. The foundations and bases of the houses are made of small stone blocks. Layers of a mixture of clay and straw are stacked like a mille-feuille. A wooden beam is placed between each layer, preventing the structure from collapsing in on itself. Slate slabs are laid over the façade. They act as an umbrella, preventing water from running down the walls and dissolving the earth. Roofs are flat, with geometric friezes usually whitewashed. Most of the houses are built around a large square, once used as a gathering place and palaver. It was also here that weddings and feasts were celebrated. Most of the stores in this district were located along the river. An Ottoman-era bridge spans the wadi. According to the elders, it is one of the city's oldest architectural features. A small restaurant halfway to the museum welcomes visitors to the area. Don't hesitate to take a break. It boasts a beautiful terrace overlooking the wadi. Antique objects and al-qatt paintings adorn the walls of this old house.