Murabba Palace

Murabba Palace is a historic palace in the al-Murabba neighborhood of Riyadh, located within the King Abdulaziz Historical Center. It was one of the first buildings built outside the old city walls and served as the official workplace and main residence of King Abdulaziz ibn Saud from 1938 until his death in 1953. The palace was transformed into a museum and opened to the public in 1999.

不容错过

• The palace's cubic shape and square form, measuring 400 by 400 meters, give it its name.
• Traditional Najdi architecture with plain style, adobe walls, and wood beams decorated with yellow, red, and black geometric patterns.
• The first lift in Saudi Arabia, installed in the late 1940s for King Abdulaziz.
• The upper floor includes the king's audience hall, offices, and guest chambers; the ground floor housed palace utilities and security.
• The palace is surrounded by a huge brick wall with nine gates; the main entrance was originally on the west side but later moved to the south.
• Historic garments and crafts are exhibited on the upper floor, along with the King Abdulaziz memorial hall and a written and photographic archive.

门票与行程

游览Murabba Palace的方式

如何到达

行前须知

• The palace is part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, which also includes the National Museum.
• Riyadh has extreme temperatures: summer can exceed 50°C, and winter can fall below zero. It is bone dry year-round.
• The palace is about half a mile from Masmak Fort and two kilometers north of the old city.

历史背景

Construction started in 1936 and was partly finished in 1938, with full completion in 1945. The palace introduced three new technologies to Saudi society: automobiles, electricity via generators, and water closets with drainage systems. A concrete road connecting the palace to the city center was also a first for Riyadh. In 1939, Aramco technicians added electricity, lighting, fans, limited air-conditioning, a central water supply, and lavatories. A lift was installed in the late 1940s when the king had difficulty climbing stairs due to arthritis,it was the first lift in Saudi Arabia. The palace witnessed official visits and the signing of various agreements during King Abdulaziz's reign. His successor, King Saud, also used the palace for official activities, including inaugurating the council of ministers there on 7 March 1954.