OLD VILLAGE OF AL GHAT
Village wedged between a hill and the wadi al-Ghat, home to the Al-Ghat Museum, the Al-Ghat souk and the al-Oshaza Mosque.
The old village of Al-Ghat is one of the largest in Saudi Arabia and one of the most picturesque. It stretches for 1.5 km, wedged between a hill and the Wadi al-Ghat. It is a fine example of the traditional architecture of the Najd. Unlike many sand villages, the houses here were built of stone and plastered with a mixture of clay and straw. This characteristic explains in part its good general state of preservation. Don't hesitate to climb the narrow streets and the hillside to enjoy photogenic views of the village. The old wells and dams show the importance of access to water in this area.
Al-Ghat Museum. The museum is located in the large old Emara Palace, the former home of Prince Nasser bin Saad Al-Sudairy. He was the governor of Al-Ghat and appointed by the king. Today, the palace houses a small museum behind its green shutters. It exhibits objects of everyday life, clothes, but also tools dating back to the Paleolithic or ancient petroglyphs found in the vicinity. They attest to the very ancient occupation of this oasis. The palace also includes a "jussah", a room reserved for the conservation of dates.
The souk of Al-Ghat. Located at the eastern end of the village, the old market is easily recognized by its triangular arches.
Al-Oshaza Mosque. This old mosque faces the souk. The prayer hall is a semi-open room resting on a set of columns with triangular capitals.