Al Masmak Palace

Al Masmak Palace is a historic clay and mudbrick fort in the ad-Dirah neighborhood of Riyadh, near al-Hukm Palace. It was the main theatre for the Battle of Riyadh in 1902, which restored Saudi control over the city and marked a key step in the unification of Saudi Arabia. Today it is a museum displaying photos, historic maps, antique guns, costumes, and agricultural artifacts.

Don't miss

• The main gate, made of palmwood, with a small defensive opening called al-Khokha that allows one person to pass at a time
• Four conical watchtowers, each about 18 m (59 ft) high, with walls 1.25 m (4 ft 1 in) thick
• The mosque with columns, shelves for Quran copies, and a mihrab
• The well in the northeastern corner of the fortress
• The courtyard surrounded by rooms, including a former ruler's residence and a bayt al-mal (treasury)

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Al Masmak Palace

Cheapest way inWalking Tour: Al Masmak Fortress, Souq Al Zal, and Saudi coffee5★ · 29 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$30 per personSee dates →Best full dayEdge of the World Riyadh Tour with Camel Ride, Bat Cave & Dinner4.9★ · 1,445 travelers8-9 hoursFree cancellationFrom$60 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleRiyadh Private Customizable Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle4.6★ · 14 travelers4-10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$320 per personSee dates →

Know before you go

• The fort is located in the ad-Dirah neighborhood, near al-Hukm Palace in the Qasr al-Hukm District.
• The museum features live photos, information panels, historic maps, antique guns, costumes, and agricultural artifacts.

A bit of history

Construction began in 1865 under Abdullah bin Faisal Al Saud and was completed in 1895 under the Rashidi dynasty. In January 1902, Emir Abdulaziz ibn Saud led an ambush on the fort, regaining it from the House of Rasheed. It was used as a munitions warehouse from 1902 to 1938 before being converted into a museum in 1995.