Al Masmak Palace
قصر المصمك
A mud-brick fortress built around 1865. In 1902, Abdulaziz seized it, launching the unification of Saudi Arabia. It is now a free museum.
Masmak Fort stands in the Deira district at the heart of Riyadh’s old town. It was built around 1865 from mud brick and stone, with a watchtower at each of its four corners and very thick walls. In January 1902, the young Abdulaziz Al Saud, founder of modern Saudi Arabia and known as Ibn Saud, led a few dozen followers in a night raid on the fort and retook Riyadh from the Al Rashid family. This began the process of unifying modern Saudi Arabia. The spear tip that was thrown into the gate that night is still embedded in the wooden door.
The fort is now a museum with free admission. It displays old photographs, maps, weapons and traditional clothing, and a film tells the story of this history. Around the fort is the old city of Riyadh: Deira Square to the south, and the Souq Al Zal and Souq Al Thumairi old markets, which sell gold, carpets, spices and antiques. These give a sense of Riyadh’s traditional side.
Getting there: Take the metro or a taxi to Deira district. It is about a 10-minute drive from the National Museum.
Tips: Closed on Friday mornings.
Opening hours
Sat–Thu 8:00 am–9:00 pm; Fri 4:00–9:00 pm (check on site)
Nearby sights
- Souq Al Zal
- Qasr Al Hukm & Deera Square
- Salam Park
- Murabba Palace
- National Museum of Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah Park
- Wadi Hanifa
- Riyadh Zoo