UNESCO-listed Nabataean city of about 110 rock-cut tombs, the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom after Petra.
Hegra, also known as Mada'in Salih, is an ancient Nabataean city near AlUla, in Saudi Arabia's Al Madinah region, reached from the Hegra Visitor Centre on Highway 375. It was the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom, whose northern capital was Petra in modern Jordan, and flourished between roughly the 1st century BCE and the 1st century CE, when Nabataean traders controlled incense and spice caravan routes. After Rome annexed the Nabataean kingdom in 106 CE, Hegra remained a Roman garrison town before declining. In 2008 it became Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its Nabataean architecture and water-management systems.
The site contains about 110 monumental tombs cut into sandstone outcrops, along with around 130 smaller burial sites, wells and rock art. The best-known monument is Qasr al-Farid, 'the Lonely Castle', a single tomb carved from an isolated rock, along with the Jabal al-Ahmar tombs and the Qasr al-Bint group. Many tombs have carved facades with crowstep motifs, pilasters and Nabataean inscriptions that name the owners and record legal penalties for misuse. Unlike Petra, almost none of the tombs are fully finished, which lets visitors see the sequence of carving from the top down.
The site is visited mainly through guided tours operated under the Royal Commission for AlUla, using buses and guided walking sections, and visitors cannot generally wander freely. Interpretation is delivered by guides in Arabic and English, and the visitor centre provides context on Nabataean history, trade and religion. Conservation is carried out with archaeological teams working on stabilising facades and documenting inscriptions.
Visitors should book in advance, as time slots vary and tickets are sold through official channels rather than on the spot. Opening hours differ by day and season, so the schedule should be verified. The tours usually run 2 to 3 hours, and the sandstone landscape is most atmospheric in the late afternoon light. Summer heat is intense, so morning and sunset slots are preferred.
| Admission | From SAR 95 (~$25) by guided tour |
|---|---|
| Hours | 06:30-18:00 Sun-Mon, 06:30-20:30 Tue-Sat (verify) |
| Address | Hegra Visitor Centre, Highway 375, AlUla |
Why it matters
UNESCO World Heritage Site, 2008
Location
Hegra Visitor Centre, Highway 375, AlUla
26.7914, 37.9599 View on map
Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008 and Saudi Arabia's first
- About 110 monumental Nabataean rock-cut tombs
- Qasr al-Farid, the isolated 'Lonely Castle' tomb
- Nabataean inscriptions and unfinished tombs showing carving methods
Tips for visiting
- Book tickets in advance through the official AlUla channels; slots can sell out.
- Choose a late-afternoon slot for the best light on the sandstone.
- Bring water, a hat and sun protection; shade is scarce.
- Allow two to three hours for the guided visit.
- Photography is generally permitted, but do not climb on or touch the tombs.
When to visit
October to March is best, with late afternoon the most photogenic time; summer midday heat is severe.
Accessibility
The visitor centre and bus access are designed for mobility needs, but the tomb areas involve uneven sand and rock. Visitors with mobility needs should enquire with the official booking channel before visiting.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit Hegra without a guide?
Access is mainly by guided tour or organised transport. Visitors should check current rules with the official booking channel.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for two to three hours including the tour and visitor centre.
Is the site English-language friendly?
Yes, guides and signage are available in English as well as Arabic.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, with supervision. There is a good deal of walking in the heat, so water and hats are important.