Qasr al-Bint is one of the prominent archaeological landmarks in Hijr Tombs Area (Mada'in Salih) located in al-Ula Governorate within al-Madinah al-Munawwarah Province, west of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It consists of two rocky masses: one is large and the other is small. The larger rock mass contains twenty-nine tombs, while the other contains only two. Both sets of tombs were carved into sandstone in the form of chambers.
Qasr al-Bint cluster is situated west of Jabal Ithlib. It comprises two rock formations: one of which is large and extends longitudinally from north to south, and another smaller rock located to the northwest of the first.
The cluster of tombs in Qasr al-Bint highlights the sophistication of Nabataean sculpture and decorative motifs. One of these tombs features two carved animals in a relaxed position facing each other, each with its head turned backward. One of the animals’ forelegs is placed on a cylinder containing a star. Each animal measures twenty-seven cm in length and resembles a lioness. Another tomb has two columns on either side of its door, embedded in the wall and protruding only a few centimeters. A large eagle above this door attracts the eye, which is still well-preserved except for the head.
It is said that Qasr al-Bint was named as such because one of the local sheikhs had a beautiful daughter named Buthinah. Fearing unwanted attention from men, he accommodated her at the top of a mountain and lived below it.
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