Rijal Heritage Village

Rijal Heritage Village, also known as Rijal Almaa, is a historic mountain village in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia, about 45 km from Abha. People come to walk among tall stone houses and see how highland families lived for generations. It is open from 08:00 to 18:00, and there is no minimum age. Begin at the village museum, set in the house of a local man who converted it. Its 20 sections hold traditional pieces, old manuscripts, and tools for farming, building and transport. Climb to the historic monument with one of the highest views over the landscape, and look across to Shokan Mountain, named after the prickly pear trees that grow there. Stop at the Honey Cottage, a rustic hut made from local natural materials, to sit down and taste the village's honey. The drive from Abha uses Aqabat Sama. The village is said to be more than 700 years old, and its buildings carry that history. Builders used basalt for strength and durability, white quartz covers much of the outer walls, and interiors were decorated with artwork. The tall houses also reflect social life, as relatives shared one building across several floors. The village was once a stop on trade and pilgrimage routes.