This week’s travel Tuesday feature, Dar Al Hajar (Rock Palace), is located on one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, which is currently midst a revolution.
1) Rock Palace, Yemen as seen from a different road
2) "Looking up Dar al Hajar in Wadi Dhahr"
History
Dar Al Hajar was built by ruler Imam Yahya as his summer fortress-mansion in the 30′s. What’s more interesting about this site is that it was actually built upon ancient ruins. Thus, rumor has it that props for the beautiful design and architecture should be given to someone else.
3) Beautiful architecture - I could stare at this building for hours!
Yes, we are open
Thankfully, the Rock Palace is now open to tourists and is a trademark brochure cover of the country of Yemen.
4) Yemeni views
When to go
It is advised that you visit Dar Al Hajar on Thursdays and Fridays, as Yemenis tend to perform outdoor dances and celebrate weddings on its surroundings then (Pbase).
5) Sana'a wedding bulbs
Salaam min Amrica
May Allah bless those currently fighting in Yemen for their freedom and may this beautiful country see the light of happiness soon! It has so much potential as a tourist destination in the Middle East.
6) Rock Palace,Yemen: View from below
Have you been to Dar Al Hajar or any other site in Yemen? Tell us about your experience below
Photo credits: 1) Franco Pecchio, Flickr * 2) Matthew & Sanae (MaSa), Flickr * 3) yeowatzup, Flickr * 4) Aurelio Candido, Flickr *5) Kate Nevens, Flick * 6) yeowatzup, Flickr
April 13, 2012 at 11:57 am
What an interesting and surprising place. Would love to explore it.
April 13, 2012 at 1:09 pm
amazing isn’t it?
April 19, 2012 at 12:13 pm
What a mind blowing place. Reminds me of Kapadokia some how, all thought with a lot more decorative arquitecture!. Great little spot.
April 19, 2012 at 1:27 pm
Natural or man-made design always fascinate me, seems like that’s your case too!
Yemen is shock-full of great attractions, I wish the political situation would be better, as many others would visit otherwise and somehow revitalize the economy.
April 19, 2012 at 2:24 pm
Wow, I really did enjoy your pictures of Yemen! I also enjoyed reading a bit about the history.
April 19, 2012 at 4:20 pm
How interesting! And how easy to protect yourself up there
No easy entrance for burlers up there!
April 19, 2012 at 10:49 pm
Wow! How do you even go about building a place like that. That was one masterful architect for sure. Thanks for sharing!
April 20, 2012 at 1:08 pm
I know! It reminds me of a documentary I was watching yesterday, or rather a series, called Human Planet. They showed how a tribe built a tree house hundreds of meters high. They build the stairs as they go, then use those to go up with materials and build. Dangerous, but that’s how they did it probably as well! So skilled, we humans are
April 20, 2012 at 1:56 am
Breathtakingly beautiful. Makes me want to go there now!
April 20, 2012 at 1:09 pm
I know! I could just stare at its beauty for hours. But then again, I’m an architecture junkie
April 20, 2012 at 2:19 am
Very interesting! Thanks.
April 20, 2012 at 11:45 am
Wow, what a place! I love the details. I haven’t been to Yemen, but I have some students from there (all women), and they are lovely.
April 20, 2012 at 1:09 pm
Oh! Where do you teach? That’s great you have Yemeni students
April 20, 2012 at 4:01 pm
Interesting shots. I think I like the light bulbs shot the best.
April 24, 2012 at 12:21 am
I love that shot as well