Al Masmak Palace

Al Masmak Palace, often called the Masmak Fort, is a mud-brick fortress in central Riyadh, Saudi Arabia dating to the late 19th century and associated with the founding events of modern Riyadh. The fort is a major historic landmark in the city.

The building features a heavy main gate, an internal courtyard and corner towers built from clay and mud-brick, with rooms that have been arranged as museum displays. Visitors commonly view the courtyard, defensive features and historical exhibits detailing the fort’s role in regional history.

In 1902, forces led by Abdulaziz Ibn Saud captured the fort in an operation that helped establish his control over Riyadh. The fort has since been preserved and adapted to house exhibitions about the early Saudi state and Riyadh’s history.

The fort stands in the historical core of Riyadh city and is accessible from central Riyadh districts and major roads in the capital.

• Historic event: The fort was the site of Ibn Saud's decisive capture of Riyadh in 1902, a pivotal event in the formation of the modern Saudi state.

What to See #

• Courtyard and gate: Central courtyard and main gate area where visitors enter the fort and see restored defensive architecture.
• Towers and walls: Corner watchtowers and outer walls constructed of mud-brick, which frame the fort and house small exhibition spaces.
• Exhibition rooms: Indoor rooms converted into museum displays that present artifacts and exhibits about the fort's history and the founding of modern Riyadh.