Abo Sarrah Palaces

Abo Sarrah Palaces consist of historic palaces located at the center of al-Azizia Village, one of as-Sudah towns, in Abha City, the administrative capital of Aseer Province, southwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They were built by Lahiq Bin Ahmed Abo Sarrah in 1834. They were renovated by his grandsons in 2017 and they are open to the public.

Abo Sarrah Palaces consist of three neighboring palaces, built on an area of over three thousand m. These palaces were built from the stones recovered from the mountains of Aseer Province and juniper wood. Their exteriors are coated with a material called Qudad and their walls and ceilings are ornamented with inscriptions. These palaces are characterized by thick, high walls, dedicated to repelling any attack and sustaining harsh weather conditions. Their parts are engineered to serve as a residence during peace and an impenetrable fortress during war. These palaces overlook green farms and high mountains. Each of them has a name with its own significance. They are known as "Wazaa," "Aziz," and "al-Musalla Fort."

Wazaa and Aziz palaces consist of six floors, while al-Musalla Fort consists of three floors. Both palaces encompass thirty-two rooms, some of which are named, such as "al-Mustahi," dedicated for guests and located on upper floors, "al-Sufli," dedicated for livestock, and "al-Suman," which is an airtight room that is insulated against air and humidity. It is dedicated to the storage of grains and food. Visitors can learn about the symbolism and connotations of the names by scanning the QR code at room entrances. The palaces also encompass an exhibition room.

Abo Sarrah Palaces also encompass an open-air café, built following the palaces' architecture and heritage style. They also include a restaurant that serves traditional food, in addition to several exhibition spaces and seating areas.

Abo Sarrah Palaces reflect the long history and social aspects prevailing in Aseer Province. They became a destination sought by tourists and visitors from Saudi Arabia and abroad, eventually becoming a gathering site for cultural, social, tourism, and economic events, activities, and programs. The palaces and their squares dedicate their spaces to host live and artistic performances and events, including the Abha Cultural and Art Nights, organized by the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in 2021, as well as the third edition of the Qemam International Festival for Mountain Performance Arts, organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Commission in 2024.