OLD TOWN OF ALULA

The old city of AlUla forms a compact ensemble of 900 ruined houses leaning against each other. From the 12th century onwards, AlUla became a choice stop on the pilgrimage route from Damascus to Mecca. The site was chosen for its easy access to water and the natural security provided by the mountains. The access to the city was through 14 gates which were opened every morning to welcome pilgrims, travelers and merchants, and closed every evening. Some of the houses are built with stones carted from the Dadan site, but most are made of dried mud bricks. The rooms on the first floor were used to store crops and shelter animals at night. The inhabitants occupied the rooms on the upper floors. In summer, they slept on the roofs, under the stars. The maze of narrow streets makes it difficult to find your way around. The old town was abandoned in the early 1980s. The joints of mud between the bricks started to melt and the houses to collapse. A new town was built further south.

Dar al-Tantora. This house, on the edge of the northern parking lot, is easily recognizable by its tower. This tower served as a sundial. The shadow cast on it told the time during the day and its length indicated the season. When the shadow began to lengthen, it meant that it was time to harvest. The house and the adjacent houses are currently being converted into a hotel.

Musa bin Nusayr Castle. The city of AlUla was spread around a rocky outcrop on which a stone castle was built. The base of its fortifications dates back to the 10th century. The castle has been remodeled and restored and was occupied by the Ottomans. The only way to visit it is to subscribe to the guided tour of the old town. From its top and terraces, the view of the AlUla oasis and the old city is absolutely magnificent.

The souq. On the heights of the old city, the souq used to house 500 stores. It was the first place in the city to be restored by the Saudi government. The long alleyway is now paved, the stores host artisans, second-hand goods dealers, cafes, restaurants and the visitors' center at the southern end, at the exit of the Pod shuttle. Benches have been installed, wicker rugs and baskets hang from the walls of the houses. The street has a cheerful and pleasant atmosphere, and is becoming the place to meet and go out in AlUla. Some of the buildings in the souq are still being renovated.