Dirah and the Masmak Fortress

Dirah, home of the Grand Mosque of Riyadh and the Masmak Fortress, located in the south of Riyadh.

Abvove:   view of the law courts

Above: Courtyard and  Minaret of 

the Grand Mosque of Riyadh

Masmak Citadel is a magnificent fort that takes back into the history 

of Saudi Arabia. This fortress dates back to the 1860′s when it was built by Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Rasheed. The fortress has now been restored and houses a museum tat displays artifacts and weaponry of an erstwhile era.

Above: The Masmak Citadel from the front.      
    

 Above: pictures of Masmak outside

The Masmak Citadel, Riyadh has a palm gate which is about 3.65 meters high and 2.65 meters wide. Al Kokha, the small opening in this gate has been designed in a way that the gate does not need to be opened for letting people in and out of the fortress.

Made primarily of clay and mud brick, the Masmak Citadel of Riyadh is home to a mosque and well. The castle also has four 18-meter high watchtowers that have openings from where soldiers fired at enemies. Al Murabba, the square shaped tower in the midst of the castle, is its biggest highlight.

Above:18-meter high watchtower