Shaqra: City Wall, Watchtowers and Hlewa Market

Shaqra puts its historical heritage in the foreground. The Heritage Village of Shaqra and Hlewa Market represent different sides of the city: historic buildings and traditional goods. Those planning a culturally focused trip will find concrete points of interest in these themes.

City Wall, Watchtowers and Hlewa Market

The new city wall of the Heritage Village of Shaqra was built in 1901. On the surrounding mountains, the village is home to a northern and a southern watchtower, as well as Al-Sayeh Tower. Together, the wall and towers give the historic city layout a tangible form. For architecture enthusiasts, Shaqra’s heritage can be traced through several named structures.

Hlewa Market is located at the entrance to the Heritage Village of Shaqra, beside Bab al-Talha Gate. The shops offer textiles, wood and metal carvings, leather goods, traditional clothing and traditional furniture. Unlike the wall and towers, the focus here is on goods and design. The market adds its own cultural emphasis to the architectural perspective.

The History of Houses and the Cityscape of Najd

In the Riyadh Region, Shaqra’s historic old town is considered an important tourism and heritage area. It is distinguished by its historical significance and strategic location. With its mosques, markets and houses, it represents the traditional cityscape of Najd. The historic Al-Subaie House in Shaqra was built in 1327 H, comprises 32 rooms and contains historical objects.

The cultural themes appeal to different interests: the city wall, watchtowers and Al-Subaie House represent buildings and the historic city layout, while Hlewa Market puts goods and design in the foreground. This lets you choose different emphases for your trip to Shaqra, from architectural history to traditional objects.

Landscape and Culture in the Riyadh Region

The Ibex Protected Area in the Riyadh Region is a rugged plateau of the Tuwayq Escarpment, cut through by canyons and gullies. It is home to the largest population of Nubian ibex in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This offers a different perspective from Shaqra’s historic old town: here, the landscape and wildlife shape the nature theme.

The Edge of the World in the Riyadh Region is a high cliff with views over an endless desert horizon. Visitors can hike there and take in the landscape from the highest point. Ushaiger, also in the Riyadh Region, offers another cultural emphasis: a 2016 SPA report highlighted the heritage village’s traditional architecture. These regional examples therefore differ both in their landscapes and in their architectural themes.

Choose Accommodation Based on Your Trip’s Main Focus

Your preferred focus is key when searching for a holiday rental. If you mainly want to experience Shaqra’s historic old town, its buildings and Hlewa Market, focus your search on Shaqra. For a trip with a stronger focus on landscapes, first decide which place in the broader destination of Riyadh matches your planned interests.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Al Hulwah, Afif, Wadi Addawasir, Rumah, Quai', Az Zulfi, Al Majmaah, Kharj.

For the broader travel overview: Riyadh.