Hegra, Archaeological site in Medina Province, Saudi Arabia
Hegra is an archaeological site featuring sandstone cliffs with 111 Nabatean burial chambers carved into the rock. These chambers were created between the first century BC and the first century AD and display varying sizes and decorative designs.
The site developed as the second capital of the Nabatean Kingdom and prospered until Roman forces conquered the region in 106 AD. Roman conquest redirected major trade routes away from the settlement, leading to its slow decline.
The burial chambers bear inscriptions in Nabatean, Greek, Latin, and Thamudic left by merchants and travelers passing through. These writings reveal how important the place was as a meeting point for different peoples traveling along trade routes.
The site lies about 30 kilometers from AlUla and is best reached by vehicle. Visitors should wear sun protection and bring plenty of water, as the area is exposed with limited shade.
The site preserves prehistoric rock carvings and a sophisticated water management system featuring wells and cisterns. These engineering works demonstrate how the Nabateans sustained a larger population in this arid environment.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
