Where Is Qasr Al-Bint Located?

Qasr Al-Bint is one of the prominent archaeological landmarks in Hegra Tombs Area located in AlUla 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.