Qal'at al-Bahrain (also known as the Bahrain Fort) is one of Bahrain’s oldest military fortifications. This archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2005.

The Bahrain Fort is of great historical significance due to its use as the capital of the Dilmun civilization, a Portuguese garrison, a trading port, a residential building, and a religious center. It is built out of a 12-meter-high (40 feet) artificial mound, formed by human settlers from 2300 B.C. to the 1700s, and was later rebuilt using a Greco-Roman style. This square-shaped structure comprises high-quality stones, towers at the four corners (two of which form the main entrance), weapons, artifacts, holes in strategic locations used for shooting arrows, red tiles dating back to Hellenistic period, coins and a trench.

Qal’at al-Bahrain is located just 4 km away from Manama, the capital of Bahrain. It is the biggest fortification in Bahrain, and it is free to visit.

Qal’at al-Bahrain Map