Dar al-Hajar, Wadi Dhahr Valley, Yemen

We are sure you imagine a Black Forest-European-Fairytale-style structure when we say castle. Yet, Yemen’s Dar al-Hajar palace proves to be otherwise.

Dar al-Hajar, also known as the Imam’s Rock Palace, is perched atop a rock pinnacle in the famous Wadi Dhahr Valley. It is Yemen’s distinctive symbol, and it can almost be seen on everything from postcards and publications to bills and water bottles. Perhaps the building’s appeal stems from the fact that it credits Yemeni architecture. It also stands alone in an oasis of green and tranquility combined with the natural granite on which it stands. As impressive as the interior is, the vista from the outside truly distinguishes the palace. It seems like a gigantic work right out of a fantasy story.