Abha – The Al Abu Sarrah Palaces, located in the village of Al-Azizah in the Al-Soudah Center west of Abha, have become a gathering point for hundreds of tourists who are enchanted by natural beauty, architectural heritage, and ancient ruins.
These palaces, which cover an area of over 3,000 square meters, have transformed into a prominent cultural and tourist landmark in the Asir region following their restoration and maintenance in late 2016.
Supervisor Abdulaziz Abu Sarrah explained that the palaces were built by Sheikh Laheq Abu Sarrah Al-Zaydani in 1835. The site consists of three buildings: Qasr Wazie, Qasr Aziz, and the Musalla Fort. Qasr Aziz and Qasr Wazie each have six floors, while Musalla Fort has three floors. They are constructed using local materials such as stone and juniper wood, with an external coating of qaddad.
Abu Sarrah added that the palaces have become a tourist destination attracting visitors from both within the Kingdom and abroad. The site now hosts various cultural, social, tourism, and economic events and activities.
In line with Vision 2030, the palaces have been adapted to a heritage style that suits their historical significance and meets the expectations of tourists. The site features an open-air café designed in the architectural style of the palaces, staffed by young Saudis who serve coffee and other refreshments creatively and in a manner that delights visitors. Additionally, there is a restaurant, various exhibitions, and seating areas that cater to visitors’ preferences, encouraging them to return repeatedly to this site, which sits at the heart of the Al-Soudah highlands, one of the Kingdom’s most famous tourist resorts.
Architect Abdullah Al-Wathiq, a specialist in heritage tourism and architectural styles, highlighted to Saudi Press Agency (SPA) during a site tour the distinct architectural design of the three palaces, including their multi-story layouts and rooms. Some floors have windowless rooms for storing supplies like grains to protect them from moisture, while the ground floors house livestock, and upper floors are designated for guest reception. Three floors are dedicated as prayer spaces.
Al-Wathiq pointed out the high ceilings, the thickness of the exterior walls, and the intricate carvings on the doors as notable features of the palaces’ architectural style.
Visitors also enjoy local dishes such as tasabeeh, tannour bread, haneeth, and areekah with ghee and honey, making their experience even more memorable.
