Twin Fortresses

The Twin Fortresses are two archaeological fortresses located in al-Bahah Province, southwestern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Their construction dates back four hundred years. They were built by two brothers for military observation purposes and also served as food warehouses.

The two fortresses are located in the village of al-Malad, south of the city of al-Bahah, on the side of the road leading to Baljurashi Governorate. Adjacent to these towers lies a structure where tribal reconciliation agreements were brokered, and ancient commercial transactions were conducted. They are located along the historic trade route leading southward to Aseer Province.

The designations of the Twin Fortresses vary; they are referred to as the Fortresses of the Two Brothers or al-Malad Castle. These fortresses are considered among the archaeological landmarks in al-Bahah Province. Situated adjacent to each other atop a hill, they are surrounded by old houses. They stand about one hundred m above the level of Wadi al-Malad, with only 120 cm separating them. They are precisely equal in form, dimensions, height, and interior design, sometimes referred to as the al-Janubi (the southern) and al-Shamali (the northern).

The southern fortress comprises two floors. The door of the ground floor faces south, while the entrance to the upper floor is oriented towards the north within the open courtyard. All floors and ceilings are constructed of clay supported by wood. Situated within the courtyard of a residence, the fortress encompasses four floors and four towers: two within the southern wall and two within the eastern wall.

As for the northern fortress, its southern and western corners partially reside within the courtyard of a house, with a portion extending beyond its boundaries. Its towers embellish the northern and western facades.