As I mentioned in one of my previous blogs (Maqsora Al Swailem) that Al Qassim Region has a very rich history and famous for its heritage, nature, traditional handicraft and super fine dates not only in Saudi Arabia but also around the world.

Today I would like to take you to another hidden gem of the region which is known as “Maqsora Al Rajhi”.

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Al Rajihi Maqsora is also located in the south-eastern part of Al Bukayriyah governorate at a distance of only 1 km from Maqsora Al Swailem and dates back over 250 years

However, the architecture of the two are almost same; Maqsora Al Rajhi is very big compare to Al Swailem having date farms on three sides of the Maqsora and unlike Al Swailem it has a very big open Majlis at the back of Maqsora where a very gentle guy offers Dates and Arabic Qahwa to all the guests.

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There’re small gardens at the entrance of Majlis where they have planted some herbs and vegetables including Mint, Tulsi and Lady Finger.

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The most interesting thing at Maqsora is a Well in between Maqsora building and Majlis which is very big and deep. The interesting thing is that the framers use Camels to get the water from well which then flows through different channels to irrigate the farms and gardens. Observing the whole process how they use camels to take water from well was incredibly amazing

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There’s a beautiful walkway at the left of the main entrance of Maqsora which takes the visitors to date farms. If you walk a little further from the date farm you will find farmers feeding their cattle’s in green grassy patches on right side and lush green gardens will surprise you on your left in which you can find different seasonal vegetables. I went there in August 2019 and found Chili, Spinach, Tomato, Lady Finger and some Onions which were already plucked from the plant.

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The hospitality extended to us by the locals were beyond expectations. I would recommend everyone to visit the place at least once but please don’t pluck the fruits and vegetables without permission and even if you get permission do it nicely without damaging anything because those farms are the sources of their incomes.

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Visiting Hours & Tips: The Palace can be visited in between 16:00 pm to 18:00 pm (in between Asr & Maghrib) every day without any entry fee. As the temperature drops in the 4^th quarter, October to April is the best time to visit it. Again, as described in Maqsora Al Swailem blog keep water and juices to be hydrated if you are planning to visit it in summers

Location:.https://goo.gl/maps/rqsjyGaCfDc33VxE9

Syed Ovais Hashmi