Madain Saleh
From Wikitravel
Contents
Madain Saleh (مدائن صالح , also Medain Saleh) is a large archaeological site in Saudi Arabia.
[edit] Understand
A Nabataean city hewed out of rock in the same style as Jordan's far more famous Petra, Madain Saleh is on UNESCO's tentative list for World Heritage inclusion [1] and would be a top tourist draw in any other country than Saudi Arabia. As it is, though, access to the site is fairly difficult and many Muslims refuse to enter the area due to a section in the Qur'an (Al-Hijr 15:80) often interpreted as a curse against it.
[edit] Get in
A free permits is necessary for visiting Madain Saleh. Tour operators will usually arrange these on your behalf (apply at least one week in advance), or do it yourself at the National Museum in Riyadh.
[edit] By plane
The nearest airports are in Al Wajh (220 km) and Medina (300 km, and yes, the airport is open to non-Muslims). Until 2004, visitors usually traveled via Hail (400 km), but a new road from Al Wajh now makes that route considerably faster.
[edit] By car
The nearest town of any size is Al-Ula (or Al-Oula), 22 km away from Madain Saleh. Saptco runs direct buses to Al-Ula from major towns including Jeddah (8 hrs) and Riyadh (13.5 hours).
[edit] Get around
[edit][add listing] See
- A restored Hijaz Railway station can be found on the northern side of the city.
[edit][add listing] Do
[edit][add listing] Buy
[edit][add listing] Eat
[edit][add listing] Drink
[edit][add listing] Sleep
Staying overnight at Madain Saleh is not allowed, so most visitors use one of the two hotels in Al-Ula.
- Mada'in Saleh Hotel, [2]. The main hotel in town. Provides airport transfer and sightseeing packages. From SR 195. edit
[edit] Contact
[edit] Get out
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