<strong>Hegra</strong>: Saudi Arabia's most famous archaeological site is located in the northwestern part of the country and is at least 2,000 years old. Click through to explore more.
Hegra: Saudi Arabia's most famous archaeological site is located in the northwestern part of the country and is at least 2,000 years old. Click through to explore more.
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<strong>The basics:</strong> Also called Mada'in Saleh and al-Hijr, this was Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage site.
The basics: Also called Mada'in Saleh and al-Hijr, this was Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage site.
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<strong>Sand and stone: </strong>This is a necropolis of the Nabatean people, who also built Petra in Jordan.
Sand and stone: This is a necropolis of the Nabatean people, who also built Petra in Jordan.
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<strong>What to see: </strong>The more than 100 tombs are carved with inscriptions and images of animals like eagles and lions.
What to see: The more than 100 tombs are carved with inscriptions and images of animals like eagles and lions.
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<strong>A peek inside:</strong> One tomb at a time is opened to visitors. These are rotated so that none suffer too much damage.
A peek inside: One tomb at a time is opened to visitors. These are rotated so that none suffer too much damage.
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<strong>Sunrise, sunset: </strong>The best times to explore the sprawling complex is early in the day or around sunset.
Sunrise, sunset: The best times to explore the sprawling complex is early in the day or around sunset.
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<strong>Up close:</strong> Inscriptions give a peek at what life might have been like for the people entombed here, with professions and names of family members commonly listed.
Up close: Inscriptions give a peek at what life might have been like for the people entombed here, with professions and names of family members commonly listed.
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<strong>Elephant Rock: </strong>Nearby Elephant Rock, named for its resemblance to the pachyderm, is a popular spot for film screenings and light shows.
Elephant Rock: Nearby Elephant Rock, named for its resemblance to the pachyderm, is a popular spot for film screenings and light shows.
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<strong>Rock tomb:</strong> A section where enormous blocks of sandstone create a canyon is another popular place for photo ops.
Rock tomb: A section where enormous blocks of sandstone create a canyon is another popular place for photo ops.
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<strong>Light in the darkness:</strong> Due to the weather, Saudi tourism officials have come up with nighttime activities around Hegra, such as this illumination event.
Light in the darkness: Due to the weather, Saudi tourism officials have come up with nighttime activities around Hegra, such as this illumination event.
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<strong>How to get around:</strong> The most popular option for exploring Hegra is via retro Land Rover.
How to get around: The most popular option for exploring Hegra is via retro Land Rover.
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<strong>Underneath it all:</strong> To learn more, check out the exhibits in the Hegra visitor's center and take a go at carving your name into a heavy piece of stone.
Underneath it all: To learn more, check out the exhibits in the Hegra visitor's center and take a go at carving your name into a heavy piece of stone.
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<strong>Keep going: </strong>Two other smaller but interesting architectural sites, Dadan and Jabal Ikmah, are worth adding to a Hegra visit.
Keep going: Two other smaller but interesting architectural sites, Dadan and Jabal Ikmah, are worth adding to a Hegra visit.
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