Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AROUND SANAʻA
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Wadi Dhahr
The most popular afternoon excursion from Sanaʻa is to the palace of
Dar al-Hajar
(admission
YR1000; 8am-1pm & 2-6pm)
in the fertile Wadi Dhahr. Constructed as a summer residence for
Imam Yahya in the 1920s, the palace has become something of a symbol of Yemen, and it's
not hard to see why - it erupts forth off its rock table like a giant red-and-white toadstool.
Inside, you will find that few of the rooms are furnished, but for most the main attrac-
tions are the great rooftop views and the stunning stained-glass windows throwing flecks of
multicoloured light across the floor. Don't miss the ancient subterranean wells that go right
through the rock (one is apparently 275m deep).
The surrounding countryside, with its pretty little villages, is a fun place to explore on
foot.
