The great port city of Jeddah is the chief gateway to the western region of Saudi Arabia, a bustling metropolis on the shore of the Red Sea. Long a meeting point of trade and pilgrimage, it blends old and new in striking fashion. For centuries the city has been the main port for pilgrims journeying to the holy cities inland, a role that shaped its history and its mixed and open character. It has always looked outward to the sea. At its heart lies a historic old quarter of tall coral-stone houses, with carved wooden balconies and shaded lanes, recognised as a site of world heritage. It is the soul of the old city. The old houses, built of stone from the sea and timber from afar, rise several storeys, their balconies screening the rooms within from sun and gaze. They are a marvel of old building. Along the shore runs a long corniche, a seafront of parks, sculptures and promenades where the people of the city gather in the cool of the evening. It is the great public space of the city. A towering fountain on the corniche sends a jet of water far into the sky, one of the tallest of its kind in the world, a landmark visible across the city. It is a symbol of the place. The city is famous for its markets, from old souks selling gold, spices and cloth to gleaming modern malls. Trade has always been its lifeblood. The warm waters of the Red Sea, with their coral reefs and rich sea life, draw divers and bathers to the coast around the city. The sea is a great part of its life. In recent years the city has grown and modernised fast, with new districts, attractions and a lively arts and entertainment scene. The pace of change has been swift. Open and easygoing by the standards of the region, the city has long welcomed people from many lands, drawn by trade and pilgrimage. Its character is mixed and tolerant. Its blend of an ancient old town, a lively seafront and a fast-growing modern city makes it one of the most rewarding destinations in the country. It draws visitors and pilgrims alike. It lies on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, the gateway to the holy cities inland, in the western region of the country. The sea stretches away to the west. For visitors it offers a meeting of old and new on the shore of the Red Sea.

Type: Tourist Attraction

Address: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Jeddah+Saudi+Arabia/, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia