ThePlace: A’Arif Fort, in Saudi Arabia’s Hail built from stone and clay before 1840

Photo/SPA

• The A’Arif Fort features an archaeological museum visited by the region’s tourists and guests that reveals Hail’s historical deep-rootedness

The famous A’Arif Fort in Hail is distinguished by its heritage and historical features. Its architectural style simulates similar defense buildings seen in the architecture of the central region in the Kingdom.
The hilltop location of the fort, which was built from stone and clay before 1840, overlooks the city from the south.
Its cannon was previously fired seven times to herald the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan to the citizens of Hail. It announced the breaking of the fast at the sunset prayers (prayers of Maghrib) and the starting of the fast at sunrise (Fajr). It was also fired seven times to announce Eid.
The A’Arif Fort features an archaeological museum visited by the region’s tourists and guests that reveals Hail’s historical deep-rootedness. It shows the capability of its ancient residents in building distinct types of architecture that survived throughout the ages, proving the strength of its structures.