Saudi Arabia restores historic Al-Daqal Castle to boost tourism
Over 110-year-old fortress rebuilt using traditional techniques to highlight Asir region’s architectural legacy
ABHA, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — Al-Daqal Castle, a key archaeological landmark in the city of Abha, has been restored by Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission, marking a renewed commitment to preserving the Kingdom’s cultural and architectural heritage.
The restoration project, led by the Ministry of Culture, aims to reinforce the historical value and authentic character of the fortress, positioning it as a central attraction in the culturally rich Asir region.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to protect and promote the area’s heritage sites, according to Saudi Gazette.
Perched on a mountain at an altitude of approximately 2,342 meters, Al-Daqal Castle occupies a strategic location in northwestern Abha, overlooking important routes through the surrounding highlands.
Historians and researchers, including Dr. Ghaithan Grace of King Khalid University, believe the structure dates back to 1334 AH (around 1916 CE), making it over a century old.
The restoration involved the use of original local stone to repair damaged sections, ensuring the castle’s design remained faithful to traditional building methods.
Interior spaces, including corridors and chambers, were carefully cleaned and prepared to welcome visitors, offering a glimpse into the architectural and cultural history of the region.
The name “Al-Daqal” is rooted in classical Arabic, signifying elevation, and may also refer to the central mast of a ship—a metaphor for the castle’s commanding height.
In his 2006 study, The Fortifications of the City of Abha, Dr. Mahfouz Al-Zahrani highlighted the strategic and symbolic nature of the fortress.
Constructed on rugged terrain, the rectangular castle spans 43.6 meters in length and 16 meters in width, with a semi-circular façade facing north.
Its design integrates natural rock slopes on the northern and western flanks, strengthening its defensive capabilities.
The structure consists of three main sections: a command area, housing for soldiers, and a service unit. A central vestibule divides the eastern and western wings.
One of the notable features of the site is a traditional stone oven with a two-meter-wide opening and a 110-centimeter chimney, once used by stationed forces to bake bread.
The castle also houses a sealed chamber for grain storage, insulated with stone to guard against humidity and pests. Another space was designated for preparing haneeth, a signature Asiri dish.
The castle was built using durable granite for its erosion resistance, while its roofing system utilized locally sourced juniper wood, clay, reeds (shohat), and imported plaster from the Red Sea region. Aesthetic and waterproof layers were applied to the exterior for protection and visual harmony.
Traditional roofing methods involved placing juniper beams in parallel, covered with reeds and a compacted mixture of mud and straw, providing insulation against rainfall and temperature fluctuations.
Authorities have announced that the site will open to the public in the next phase of development, offering residents and tourists an immersive experience into the Asir region’s deep-rooted heritage and architectural ingenuity.
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