Shinanah Tower
Located in the southwestern part of Al Rass in the Qassim Province, this historically significant watchtower is at least 200 years old and is about an hour's drive from Buraydah. This well-preserved mud-brick structure has witnessed many historic battles. It is said that during one battle, it was heavily bombarded, reducing its original height from 45 meters to the current 27 meters.
Al Bassam Cultural House
If you enjoy cultural ancient villages, museums, open-air markets, historical palaces, and ancient buildings, then you will particularly appreciate visiting Al Bassam Cultural House (Al Bassam House) in Unaizah (about a 30-minute drive from Buraidah). A recent visitor described it as 'extremely memorable.' The house was built in 1955, covering an area of 3,500 square meters, and employs traditional internal ventilation and lighting techniques. The palace-style structure's roof features traditional Najdi wood carvings (Najdi is an architectural style characterized by unbaked clay, which has been the main building method in rural Saudi Arabia for centuries). The house has two floors and 30 rooms, including bedrooms, guest rooms, and storage rooms. Visitors can appreciate ancient handicrafts, traditional foods, folk stories, poetry, and the culture and history of their ancestors inside.
Uyun Al Jiwa
If you want to experience ancient Arab culture, you must visit the Uyun Al Jiwa oasis, located about 50 kilometers northwest of Buraydah. The name means 'ponds of the valley.' Humans have settled here since prehistoric times. You can still see Thamudic rock art (from an ancient Arab tribe) carved into local rocks, especially in the Al Hanadir area, 15 kilometers from Uyun Al Jiwa. Be sure to visit the Al Margab watchtower, a tower built of mud and adobe that was used to spot approaching enemies. Additionally, there is the old market and old Uyun. These mud houses, built with adobe, clay, and mud, have become historical relics and are well-preserved.
