The Port and Capital of the Gulf’s Oldest Civilizations, Tracing Back to the Third Millennium BCE
Nestled among tall picturesque palm trees, with a stunning view of both the sea and the Kingdom’s modern urban landscape, Bahrain Fort is located on the northern coast, about 5.5 kilometres from the capital, Manama. Nearby lies the turquoise sea, a museum showcasing the site's findings, and a café with both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the water. A long walking path encircles the site, allowing visitors near the fort to explore its historical richness while enjoying a scenic walk by the sea. There is also a free audio guide service that provides information about the various sections of the site as you explore. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, Bahrain Fort tells the story of Bahrain’s civilizations spanning over 4,000 years. From a small hill, visitors can observe the ruins of multiple cities built atop one another over different periods, alongside remnants of a fortified castle, palace, and a historic port that once served as Bahrain’s link to ancient civilizations. Don’t miss the view of the sea, palms, and urban landscape, especially at sunset, and be sure to capture memorable photos.
Photos & Videos
What to Expect
Ancient Trade Relations of Bahrain
Discovered by a Danish archaeological team in the 1950s, this site is Bahrain’s largest archaeological site and one of the most distinctive in the Gulf region, having preserved its shape and main features for thousands of years. Additionally, the site’s discoveries reveal different stages in Bahrain’s history and its connections to other civilizations, such as those of India and Mesopotamia.
Dilmun Cities and Alexander the Great’s Coins
Visitors will feel transported back through Bahrain’s rich history when they visit the remnants of the Dilmun cities and the city of Tylos at Bahrain Fort. The site includes the ruins of several cities surrounded by a massive wall, where excavations have uncovered a variety of structures—residential, public, commercial, religious, military, and an ancient date molasses factory—among the oldest in the world, attesting to the site’s importance. A set of silver coins from the time of Alexander the Great was also found, along with stone seals, pottery, and artefacts that show strong links between Dilmun and Qatif and Dhahran in present-day Saudi Arabia, Failaka in Kuwait, and Umm al-Nar in the United Arab Emirates.
The Dilmun Port
In addition to the Dilmun cities, the site includes the ruins of the Dilmun port, which was considered the main gateway to Dilmun. This port welcomed sailing ships arriving from the Indus Valley, Persia, Mesopotamia, Oman, Kuwait, and the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. At this port, weights and seals used to stamp goods were also discovered.
Enjoy the Museum and Café
Near the fort is a museum displaying artefacts from the site, featuring an elegant café with a beautiful sea view. After exploring the fort, visitors can relax with a slice of cake and a hot coffee while admiring the sea, followed by a tour of the museum, which offers a brief glimpse into Bahrain’s ancient history through numerous archaeological treasures found at the Bahrain Fort site, including seals, jars, tombstones, weights, statues, and more.
The Port and Capital of the Gulf’s Oldest Civilizations, Tracing Back to the Third Millennium BCE
Nestled among tall picturesque palm trees, with a stunning view of both the sea and the Kingdom’s modern urban landscape, Bahrain Fort is located on the northern coast, about 5.5 kilometres from the capital, Manama. Nearby lies the turquoise sea, a museum showcasing the site's findings, and a café with both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the water. A long walking path encircles the site, allowing visitors near the fort to explore its historical richness while enjoying a scenic walk by the sea. There is also a free audio guide service that provides information about the various sections of the site as you explore. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, Bahrain Fort tells the story of Bahrain’s civilizations spanning over 4,000 years. From a small hill, visitors can observe the ruins of multiple cities built atop one another over different periods, alongside remnants of a fortified castle, palace, and a historic port that once served as Bahrain’s link to ancient civilizations. Don’t miss the view of the sea, palms, and urban landscape, especially at sunset, and be sure to capture memorable photos.
Photos & Videos
What to Expect
Ancient Trade Relations of Bahrain
Discovered by a Danish archaeological team in the 1950s, this site is Bahrain’s largest archaeological site and one of the most distinctive in the Gulf region, having preserved its shape and main features for thousands of years. Additionally, the site’s discoveries reveal different stages in Bahrain’s history and its connections to other civilizations, such as those of India and Mesopotamia.
Dilmun Cities and Alexander the Great’s Coins
Visitors will feel transported back through Bahrain’s rich history when they visit the remnants of the Dilmun cities and the city of Tylos at Bahrain Fort. The site includes the ruins of several cities surrounded by a massive wall, where excavations have uncovered a variety of structures—residential, public, commercial, religious, military, and an ancient date molasses factory—among the oldest in the world, attesting to the site’s importance. A set of silver coins from the time of Alexander the Great was also found, along with stone seals, pottery, and artefacts that show strong links between Dilmun and Qatif and Dhahran in present-day Saudi Arabia, Failaka in Kuwait, and Umm al-Nar in the United Arab Emirates.
The Dilmun Port
In addition to the Dilmun cities, the site includes the ruins of the Dilmun port, which was considered the main gateway to Dilmun. This port welcomed sailing ships arriving from the Indus Valley, Persia, Mesopotamia, Oman, Kuwait, and the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. At this port, weights and seals used to stamp goods were also discovered.
Enjoy the Museum and Café
Near the fort is a museum displaying artefacts from the site, featuring an elegant café with a beautiful sea view. After exploring the fort, visitors can relax with a slice of cake and a hot coffee while admiring the sea, followed by a tour of the museum, which offers a brief glimpse into Bahrain’s ancient history through numerous archaeological treasures found at the Bahrain Fort site, including seals, jars, tombstones, weights, statues, and more.
Manama
Open Closes at 08:00 PM
Monday 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Tuesday 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Wednesday 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Thursday 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Friday 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Saturday 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Sunday 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Nearby Attractions
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