Jazan is home to many centuries-old archaeological sites that bear witness to early civilizations and the region’s political, cultural and economic history.

Ancient cities, towns, castles and mosques tell stories about their inhabitants through rock structures, pottery, inscriptions and other rare finds.

One of its architectural gems is Al-Hima Castle, located 20 km east of Damad. It overlooks the banks of the Damad Valley, one of the most famous valleys of Tihama as it was founded by Hussein bin Ali Al-Khairat in 1840.

According to the village’s Sheikh Ali Al-Madir, the dilapidated square-shaped castle is built of rocks, burnt red bricks and volcanic stones, all arranged in different geometric patterns.

The castle may have consisted of two floors, and the rooms appear to have been built adjacent to one another with pointed arched entrances.

The edifice has a courtyard, and there are traces of a well. It also had storage rooms for collecting foodstuffs.

The western side of the castle now has more modern walls, while the eastern and northern sides are completely in ruins.