The Yemen Guide

The Yemen Guide | Sanaa Governorate

Sanaa

Its districts spread between steadfast mountains and fertile agricultural valleys such as Bani Matar, Hamdan, Sanhan, Bilad al-Rus, Arhab, Khawlan and Nihm. It is unique in its mud-brick and baked-brick urban style, coloured qamariya windows, ancient souqs and the Sanaani musical heritage.

Explore landmark

About Sanaa Governorate

Sanaa Governorate is among the most ancient and widest governorates of Yemen, surrounding the capital municipality. Its terrain varies between towering mountains such as Nuqm and Ayban and lush terraces in Wadi Dhahr and Bani Matar, with stone villages of harmonious urban fabric spread on its slopes. Old Sanaa holds a unique urban heritage of brick and stucco decoration and qamariya windows, specialised souqs vibrant for centuries, and scholarly institutions and historic mosques. Old Sanaa was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its urban uniqueness, while the oral heritage and Sanaani arts stand as living testimony to Yemeni cultural identity.