Qal’at ar-Rifa’ is a
17th-century fort located on a reef amid the ancient Riffa settlement and modern day West
Riffa. Currently it is also known as Sh.Salman Bin Ahmed Al Fateh
Fort.
Riffa Fort
History
Built originally under the Persian
Safavid empire’s ruling, Riffa Fort was converted by Sh.Salman Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa as a
defense and residential complex and the headquarters of the sultan in
1812.
Until 1869 Riffa was the capital of
Bahrain, thus Riffa Fort held a great strategical importance. It now features three
elaborate rectangular chambers, each with an independent
court.
The first court has a staircase and a new
building on its western part. The second contains a path leading outside the fort and two
identical chambers. The third is narrow, with several smaller chambers alongside the
staircase on its southern façade.
Riffa Fort also contains
a huge façade on its northern side, a circular garrison amid the chambers, a well, and a
mosque nearby.
Visitor
Informartion
The Riffa fort is
located near the Hunanaiya valley, 20 km from Manama. Entrance to the fort is
free.
Qal’at ar-Rifa’
Map&Location
Riffa Fort Address: Road No 368, Rifaa,
Southern Governorate, Bahrain. Get help with directions using the map provided
bellow:
View Larger Map
|
Riffa Fort Photos
Click on the images to enlarge - Photos by Michele Solmi
Riffa Fort courtyard view
Riffa Fort seaside view
Riffa Fort courtyard
Riffa Fort courtyard corner
Riffa Fort courtyard detail
Riffa Fort tower - night view
Riffa Fort entrance
|