Bab-al-Yemen

Sana’a, Yemen

Coordinates: 15.351244, 44.215793

Nearby Places

• Souk Al-Milh, Market in Sana’a 25 meters N (3°)
• Great Mosque of Sana’a 0.23 Km NW (334°)
• Talha Mosque, Old town Sana’a 0.48 Km NW (309°)

One of the best locations for those who care about discovering historical points around Yemen is Bab al Yemen in Old City Sana’a.

The Yemen Gate or Gate of Yemen is the main gate of Sana’s old fortified wall, on the southern extremity of the walled city. Its current appearance dates to the 17th century, One theory goes saying that it was first designed by Hz. Shem عليه السلام son of Hz. Nuh عليه السلام. Today, it is the most ornate of the gates of Sana’s Old City. Passengers travelling southward, en route to Ma’bar and Dhamar, would depart from this gate.

As one enters the gate, one quickly notices the Yemeni architecture, high towering houses made of baked bricks decorated and waterproofed with lime plaster and qadad, one of the characteristic features of Sana’s Old City.

Inside the walls, especially at night, it feels like 1001 nights has just come alive. The souq and the food stalls give it a different look. You can buy fruits, spices, coats, cooking ware, second hands things and many more are made available in this astonishing fortress that has stood strong for over 2500 years, an excellent place to shop for souvenirs and taking photographs.

The Great Mosque of Sana’a is located about 300 yards from the Yemen Gate.

Opposite Bab al-Yaman to the north of the Old City is Bab es-Sha’ub.