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Awwam Temple

The great oval temple of the Sabaean state at Marib, inscribed by UNESCO in 2023.

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UNESCO World Heritage

Typetemple
WhereMarib
Nearest cityMarib
Best seasonOctober to March
Time to allowTwo hours
Getting thereNear Marib in central Yemen; road access, site status varies
EntrySite fee; access may be restricted

The Awwam temple at Marib, known locally as Mahram Bilqis after the queen of Sheba, was the principal sanctuary of the Sabaean state, dedicated to the god Almaqah, and its enclosing wall runs in an oval of dressed stone around a hundred metres across with a colonnaded hall at the entrance, standing where centuries of sand had buried it. UNESCO inscribed it in 2023 as part of the Sabaean landmarks property.

What you actually see

  • The oval wall - dressed stone running around a hundred metres across.
  • The entrance hall - the colonnaded structure at the temple's approach.
  • The Almaqah dedication - the god the Sabaean state's principal sanctuary served.
  • The 2023 inscription - the UNESCO listing of the Sabaean landmarks.

When to go

October to March is the cool season. Summer at Marib is extremely hot with no shade. Site access depends on conditions and should be checked.

Honest expectations

The site has been damaged and access has been uncertain in recent years; it should not be assumed open. Much remains buried under sand. Access to mainland Yemen requires arrangements made well in advance.

Nearby

Marib is nearby, and the ancient dam is west.

What to pack for Awwam Temple

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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