Al Masmak Palace

Al Masmak Palace is a historic mud-brick fortress in the centre of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and it now serves as a museum. People come to learn how the kingdom was brought together, in a building that was part of that story. Inside, you can follow the fortress layout from the gate on the western side to the mosque, the majlis (known locally as the diwaneyah), the well on the north-eastern side and the towers at the four corners of the courtyard. The rooms once used by the ruler and his guests are now display halls, with photographs, visual presentations and historical items on the walls. Look for the old spear tip lodged in the gate. The palace opens Saturday to Thursday from 08:00 to 21:00 and on Friday from 08:00 to 16:00, and there is no minimum age. The fortress was built as a residence and seat of power for Imam Abdullah bin Faisal. Its thick walls, two entrances and small openings for gun barrels show how well it was made for defence, and it later held weapons and ammunition. In 1902, forces led by King Abdul Aziz retook Riyadh. Fahad bin Jiluwi threw a spear at Ajlan bin Rashid, missed, and left the tip in the gate. The building became a museum in 1995 (1416 AH).