The original capital of the first Saudi state, a dramatic mud-brick city on a clifftop above Wadi Hanifah, about fifteen kilometres northwest of central Riyadh. The At-Turaif District at the heart of Diriyah is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a labyrinth of ruined palaces, mosques, and towers in traditional Najdi style, spread across a promontory with views over the palm-filled valley below.
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in restoring and presenting Diriyah as a heritage destination, and the result is impressive: the mud-brick architecture has been stabilised and partially restored, a visitor centre explains the history of the first and second Saudi states, and the evening light on the orange-red walls is extraordinary. The surrounding Diriyah Gate development is adding restaurants and cultural venues. Best visited in the late afternoon and evening. Open daily; admission charged.