Al Masmak Palace 'The Ancient Palace in Riyadh' ⛔⛔Temporarily closed

The magnificent Al Masmak Palace stands erect gracefully in the middle of Riyadh city as a tourist destination having silently witnessed great events in the history of KSA foundation.

The palace was constructed in the hijri 14th century during the reign of Imam Abdullah bin Faisal as his residence and the center of power and money. The palace is a strong fort against enemies with its solid high walls. It has only two entrances and small openings in the walls for gun barrels at the time of battles. Today, the palace stands as a symbol of the history of regaining power and rule of the country displaying in its corridors the featureThe historical palace displays live photos of the story of the kingdom unification including the battle of regaining Riyadh represented in bin Jiluwi’s tip of spear remains on the gate of Al Masmak Fortress. Prince Fahad bin Jiluwi was among the army of King Abdul Aziz in the 1902 battle when he threw his spear meaning to aim at Ajlan bin Rashid. He missed his aim and the tip of the spear settled in the gate making a deep crack that is a witness to the heroic story of one of the main King’s servants.s of that era and its leaders after it had been turned into a museum in 1995/1416.

The Arabic word Al Masmak means a strong thick building that had been once used as a depot for weapons and ammunition until it was turned into a historic milestone then a museum.
The historical palace displays live photos of the story of the kingdom unification including the battle of regaining Riyadh represented in bin Jiluwi’s tip of spear remains on the gate of Al Masmak Fortress. Prince Fahad bin Jiluwi was among the army of King Abdul Aziz in the 1902 battle when he threw his spear meaning to aim at Ajlan bin Rashid. He missed his aim and the tip of the spear settled in the gate making a deep crack that is a witness to the heroic story of one of the main King’s servants.

The palace is divided into six main parts: the fortress’s gate on the western side, the mosque, the majlis - or the diwaneyah as known locally- the well to the north eastern side, the towers in the four corners of the courtyard, and the residential units of the ruler and his guests that were transformed into display halls. You can wander inside the palace witnessing history through visual presentations and ancient historical remains hung on its walls.