USFAN FORT (Ottoman building) - 285

good

Looks utterly fake

old fort well maintained.

Now nothing much to see except some ruins.. can be visited when climate is good

Usfan fort. An old landmark on makkah Madina highway

there is an small park close to the fort The fort is on top of a hill and can not be visited

It is a small fortress built by Ottoman Empire. There is a amazing underground room to keep armory and food stuffs.

Asfan Castle is a historical edifice in Asfan Village, perched on a hill in the midst of a dramatic valley, 30 km North of both Jeddah and Mecca- served as an outpost of the Ottoman army monitoring the road between Mecca and Medina. This well-accessible and scenic fort is ideal for a day trip from the coastal city. The first view that we got of Usfan fort was heart stirring; it exuded a cryptic beauty that beckoned us. The hill seemed to have been partially cut from one side to make way for the highway that passed around it. It was mid in the afternoon when we reached. The sun lighted up the fort’s dark colored walls beautifully. We climbed from the hill through a set of uneven steep stairs that led us all the way to the top without a handrail and a gusty wind began to blow. The journey to the top was strenuous but exhilarating at the same time especially with a previous ankle injury. We made our way through the arched gateway, which was the only entrance to the fort and reached the bailey. It’s door had already been damaged and was left standing on one side of the wall. It was shocking to see that none of the structures in the interior of the fort had survived. There was no visible sign of vandalism on its walls and was squeaky clean. Close to the center there was a peculiar looking vault, which led to the lower portion of the fort. Its steps were filled with rubble that barred its entrance. We then peaked through the windows that overlook the highway and the valley. If you can brave a strenuous trek to the top, the Usfan Fort is a great way of combining heritage and adventure. Totally worth the effort, it is one of the best vantage points to relive history, admire gorgeous sunsets and view beautiful vistas of the valley down below. Just don’t forget to bring your sunscreen with you ??