Located in the old town of Dumat Al-Jandal, the ancient Marid Castle, 620 meters above sea level, overlooks the northwestern Saudi city.
It is one of the most prominent archaeological and historical sites in Jouf province, which has been witnessing a boom in tourism.
Marid Castle was first mentioned in the third century, when Zenobia, queen of Palmyra, invaded Dumat Al-Jandal and Tayma, but her forces could not take the fortress. She was quoted as saying, “Marid has rebelled, and Ablaq has glorified,” in reference to the fortification and steadfastness of the castle.
Known for its conical towers, the castle comprises of buildings of different architectural styles spanning from the Nabataean period, through the post-emergence of Islam, until the most recent construction 80 years ago.
The main building of the castle comprises a lower floor made from stone and an upper floor made using mud. There are two wells, rooms for guards, shooting spots, and observation sites.
The castle is surrounded by a wall incorporating strategic openings and entrances to the south and north.
Archeological artifacts found inside the castle during excavations in 1976 include Nabataean and Roman potteries dating back to the first and second centuries.
