Historic Jeddah

Before naming it as the royal seaport for Makkah at 657 AD, the Al-Balad site, “Historic Jeddah”, was built on beautiful coastal land. It gathered people from all cultures and walks of life throughout the ages. This part of the world unveils a human heritage whose walls challenged different historical factors with eight gates; each is known for their historical stories. In addition, it holds more than 10 ancient houses praised for their distinctive designs and the names of their ancient families. Here, you will get the coziest photographs

A Heritage recognized by the world

Discover the place chosen amongst UNESCO World Heritage List, where the ancient homes transformed using the latest technologies and expertise into art galleries and specialty cafes Whenever you look up in AL-Balad, you see the wooden Rawashins hanging overhead as an example of authentic architecture that oversees the modern life that passes beneath it

The magic of Al-Balad site, Historic Jeddah is not limited to the heritage value surrounding you, but also to the unique location being twenty minutes away from the best shopping experiences and international restaurants, and another twenty minutes away from the largest and most important car race in the world; the STC Formula 1 Saudi Grand Prix

Doors to Jeddah Wall

Once you reach Historic Jeddah, you will notice several doors These doors that go back to ancient times used to get closed at night as a form of security and protection to the markets of the old alleys they surrounded. Almost every side has a door, the most famous of which is from the east Bab Jadeed This latest addition to the doors was built during the Saudi rule at the beginning of the nineteen forties Next in importance comes Bab Makkah from the east side facing Souq Al Badu intended to protect this market and form a passage Then, from the south side comes Bab Shareef used by the people of these alleys for outings and visiting outside markets, such as Haraj Al Asr, which has developed into a large local market

Tour of the most exquisite ancient houses

Bait Nassif

Start your journey through history inside the ancient houses of Albalad with Bait Nassif As you enter Bait Nassif, you stand on the grounds of the first orientally designed Arabic house in Jeddah. It has been used ‎throughout the years as a temporary residence for kings and scholars With 40 wide rooms with high ceilings, its floors ‎transformed into art galleries and cozy cafes, where you can enjoy the company of your family or friends in evenings full of joy ‎and storytelling

Bait Matbouli

Let your walking journey take you next to the well-preserved architectural beauty of Bait Matbouli The experience of walking around here resembles walking into a heritage museum, where every turn has an art ‎painting. This marvelous historic masterpiece dates back to 420 years ago. The building walls have been purposefully constructed to ‎reduce heat and retain a pleasant temperature. It combines a unique blend of local materials, oriental architecture designs, and ‎the use of beyond the sea cultures in interior design, where wood was imported from East Asia and Al-Mangabi Stones excavated from the ‎Red Sea waters

Bait Nour Wali

Next, you can head to Bait Nour Wali The building is hard to miss with its unique green protruded delicately inscribed windows, a distinctive feature of Jeddah’s ancient architecture known as Rawashin Another incredible architectural design feature is that it holds an efficient water system consisting of wall-build pipes that drain rainwater into a ground tank

This house was built by the architectural enthusiast local Muhmood Al-Sabban Several years later, on 1946AD it was sold to Abdulgader Nour Wali, and that is where the house got its name. It has been long withstanding as one of the spectacular architectural beauties of Historic Jeddah

Beit Alsharbatly

Get your camera ready, you’ve reached one of the most ancient and infamous houses of Historic Jeddah Beit Alsharbatly It remains since built in 1916AD by Sharif Abdullah Al-Abdali, steadfast with its bright white columns and distinctive wooden windows and balconies overlooking the prominent sites of the area. As time has passed on this beauty, each of its carefully picked tiles became an antiquity inscribed “Made in Al-Hijaz – Jeddah

All these fascinating details won’t take you away from its unique history. Formerly, the building was the headquarters of the Egyptian Embassy in Saudi Arabia. Its four floors once witnessed extensive fruitful meetings. Now, it has turned into a cultural center and a favorite location for art galleries and cultural events.

You can wander around its antique halls and rooms, but don’t miss the chance of gazing through one of its unmatched precisely designed wooden balconies and admire the view of the surrounding ancient house at sunset

Bait Qabil

Bait Qabil is placed in the heart of the special area and at the center of the historic events. Its ceilings were intentionally made tall which is an old mechanism used to allow air passage and purification inside the house. To testify for its incredible architectural design, many artistic mockups are made of its highly crafted Rawashins. The merchant Suliman Qabil was able to single-handedly turn the Qabil Street into one of the most prominent and advanced streets of Jeddah at the time. In fact, it was the first street to be supplied with electricity. Till today, this area is considered one of the most significant locations in Jeddah due to its history and heritage. This house and its surrounding area open their door to story-filled visits

Zainal House

Zainal House is located right at the entrance of Historic Jeddah in Al-sham neighborhood. Bait Zainal Ali Reda with all its splendor, still maintaining its engraved windows as well as stone inscribed door, reflects the artistic nature of that time period Now, this once one of the most magnificent ancient houses in the area, has developed into an exhibit that sheds light on that era. It served many purposes, one of which is the center of the Embassy of Holland, where it got its other name Bait Hollanda. In addition, it has welcomed pilgrims coming from Asia and regulated their trip to Makkah

Bait AlBatterjee

The charmingly antique three-floored  Bait AlBatterjee will catch your eyes as you enter AlBalad area with its attractive colors and thick construction It was the first headquarters of the American embassy in Jeddah Toda it has been renovated to reflect its ancient belongings from furniture and rare devices, such as the first Saudi telephone with a Two swords and a palmslogan On the inside walls of the house hangs pictures portraying the significant role it has played The unique details and history stemming from this house and its surrounding area make it a special destination for tourists

Bait Baeshen

Bait Baeshen took the lead as a social and cultural center as it was the gathering place of the notables of Jeddah in the past. Nowadays, it is an amazing tourist destination with its splendid architecture manifested in its gorgeous Rawashins and its meticulously built balconies. It was built according to the highest standards of Islamic art by Shaikh Muhammed Saleh Ali Baeshem in 1273AH Today, the house displays exquisite handicrafts and documents on rare photographs and manuscripts

Bait AlRashaida

Right in the middle of Bait AlRashaida is a carved plaque with a Quranic verse that dates back to 1301AH. This house was well known for hosting all academic activities. It has still maintained its identity with artwork on Jeddah’s heritage on display made by the hands of Saudi artists Art sessions are held there from time to time as well. Art lovers and cultural explorers can bit on fond memories here

Bait Sallom

Bait Sallom has turned into ‎”House of Jeddah and Our Good Days” museum It has wonderfully preserved all its belonging as if it was a time capsule for Al-Balad area Although it shares the same place and time period of Bait Nassif, yet it distinctly preserved more of its social belongings On your family tour, you can show your kids the “gramophone” musical device, old canned food and coins, and the first versions of the popular soft drink

More sites that strike into the heart of history

Rebat Alkhonji

Rebat Alkhonji is considered one of the prominent Islamic architectural designs in AlBalad area. For more than 200 years, it has served as social and humanitarian housing for old, lonesome, and traveler females. Built by Muhammed Alkhonji in 1813AD, this building with its longstanding history had nonstop conversations in the Al-Sham neighborhood within Historic Jeddah

Al Shafei Mosque

Registered as one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites, AlShafei mosque was built during the reign of The Caliphate Omar Bin Khatab.  Its marble pillars and Al-Mangabi Stones date back to 1400 years. However, its minaret goes back 850 years as a recent addition because old mosques are built without minarets. Here, lessons on Alshafei school of thought were held, and, thus, it was named after it. Close by, you may find an ancient building called Waqf Alshafei It is distinguished by its Rawashins. This is a great stop in your journey to witness the classic Hejazi architectural designs and the impact of time on them

Al-Mimar Mosque and Ain Farag Yosr

Al-Mimar Mosque is the second oldest mosque in Jeddah It is adorned with oriental inscriptions and engraved with Quranic verses on its walls. An ancient well lined up from the inside and outer area with Al-Mangabi Stones, excavated from the ‎Red Sea waters, is directly connected to the mosque. The well was responsible for its water supply. When the water became scares in the well, water was brought from the spring Ain Farag Yosr Travelers pay it a visit for its historical status, to pray in it, and to enjoy its architectural artistic design

The spring Ain Farag Yosr was intended initially to supply the old “Al-Mazloum and Al-Yaman ” neighborhoods in Historic Jeddah. Since dug, it supplied water until it completely dried on 1304AH. Today, it showcases its long precious history of welcoming guests and those fascinated with antiquities and local heritage

Markets with doors throughout all times

Historic Jeddah has long been the home of the most ancient folk markets throughout the ages. It is the ideal destination for heritage and souvenirs lovers and seekers of craftsmanship and handmade goods as well as hard-to-miss offers.

In Al-Balad area, you will be greeted by “Alawi Market”, which extends on Qabil Street. This authentically joyful market offers traditional, oriental and Hijazi attires as well as precious stones on display‎. At the end of this market, you will reach the constantly vibrant “Souq Al Badu‎” market. This market was precisely the starting point of most prominent local entrepreneurs today. Just walking inside its culturally rich places with simple friendly gestures of its people is an experience unlike anything else in Jeddah.

As you wander around in AlBalad area you will find “Barhat Al Shagara” where the unique individual markets of “Al Khaskeya” are located. The crafty salesmen offer authentic and valuable handmade merchandise. Also, the many wholesale centers inside it offer anything you can think of.

“Souq Al-Nada” is another interesting option, located also inside Historic Jeddah between old buildings and fast-food stands.

When you reach the end of your shopping journey, don’t forget to pass by AlBalad Souvenirs and Jeddah Souvenirs for some amazing takeaways, such as tiny mock-ups of ancient houses in the Al-Balad region, and many more innovative gifts to keep you reminded of this unique visit

Restaurants that welcomed all passers

After your tour of these nearby markets, looking for a quick bite to eat, Jeddah style, you won’t find anyone that fails to suggest the delicious Shawarma Shaker

You can also try to book in advance in the cozy authentic Baisi Ras Al Mandi restaurant that offers a limited menu of local traditional dishes. The vibe of the place takes you back to the times of Historic Jeddah

For a wonderful kick start of the day, you must visit the 200-year-old Al-Saidi Furn bakery that opens its doors at 7:00 AM. It is infamous for the most delicious baked goods such as Al-Shareek and Futt It is only 22 minutes away from the oldest branch of Furn Al-Sheikh -a 100-year-old bakery, which bakes a unique bread infused with fennel and black seed, a long favorite for locals

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