Without any doubt, it is Sana'a's principal attraction. It is like a trip to the past, where still it is possible to see the traditional Yemeni life in the streets. Until 1962, it was the whole perimeter of the city, of which still some walled sections remain. Nowadays, around it, the new city continues growing. Bad Al Yemen is the main door to the old city, with a lot activity there. Easy to visit walking and ideally to get lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets.
Things to do
It is the main and older market of the city. The main entrance, for not to get lost, is through the door of Bab al-Yemen, the market extends northward and divide in many small markets. Originally, Souk al-Milh was one of these little markets, but today it the name is applie to the whole market. The spice market, raisin market or henna market, are some of the more ancient and representative.
Into the old city, more than 14.000 tower houses, give to the Old City the distinctive personality, with 5 to 9 floors and beautiful arquitecture, where today, the families still living there. Do not forget to raise to the last floor of anyone of them for have the vision from up around you.
One of the first mosques constructed in Yemen, in AD630, it is in the heart of old city. Along his history has suffered many damages and changes. Nowadays they continue the works of restoration. Non-muslim will not be allowed to entert allowed, but you can appear to the interior from the doorway.
Placed to 15 kilometres to Sana'a's suburbs, near a village called Qaryat the-Qabil, one finds the palace of Dar al-Hajar (Palace of the Rock) Constructed in the high of a great rock in 1930, it was the palace of retreat for the Imam Yahya. The vision is so spectacular that the sights that it offers from the terraces. Entrance fee 500 YR
