Bahrain Fort, also known as Qal'at al-Bahrain, is a UNESCO World Heritage site on the island of Bahrain, in the Northern Governorate. It is an archaeological site where visitors can walk among the remains of a settlement that was occupied for more than 4,000 years.
What you will see
The site holds ruins from the ancient Dilmun civilisation, which were built up over many centuries, as well as the remains of a later Portuguese fort. Because the occupation was continuous, the ruins show how the place changed from one period to the next, rather than a single moment in time.
- Remains of the ancient Dilmun settlement
- Portuguese fort remains
- A long sequence of layers marking more than four millennia of habitation
Planning your visit
This is a visit for anyone interested in archaeology, ancient history or the long story of the Gulf region. It suits a slow walk rather than a quick stop, since much of the interest lies in understanding how the different layers fit together. If you would like to check details before you go, the site can be reached by telephone on +973 1729 8777.
The site sits in the Northern Governorate of Bahrain, so it can be combined with other places on the island. Visitors interested in the wider history of the area will find that Bahrain Fort gives useful context for the rest of their trip.