Did You Know About This Fort In Bahrain That Has Been Continuously Occupied For 4,500 Years?

Bahrain, an island nation in the Arabian Gulf, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. For history enthusiasts, visiting Bahrain Fort is essential, with its insights into the island's strategic significance over the centuries. The fort is situated in Al Qalah village district, that is west of Manama, the capital of Bahrain. Also known as Qal'at Al Bahrain, the fort dates back to approximately 2300 BC. Excavations have established the fort as a significant archaeological site.Bahrain Fort's Links To Ancient CivilisationsBahrain Fort's strategic location and its role as the capital and port of Dilmun highlight its importance in ancient times. Each layer uncovered at the site tells a story from a different era, revealing the historical uniqueness of Dilmun civilisation, one of the oldest known civilisations in the region. At that time, the fort served as an important hub for trade and cultural exchange, connecting the Indus Valley, Mesopotamia, Oman, and even reaching as far as China.UNESCO World Heritage SiteIn 2005, the site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, highlighting its international importance. According to UNESCO, the Qal'at al-Bahrain is an exceptional example of a site that has maintained continuous occupation for nearly 4,500 years, from around 2300 BC to the present day, on the island of Bahrain. "The Ancient Harbour and Capital of Dilmun is an archaeological site that consists of four main components: an archaeological tell (an artificial hill formed over time by successive occupations) covering more than 16 hectares," says the UNESCO notation. Things To DoCheck Out The IlluminationBahrain Fort is beautifully illuminated at night, providing visitors with a fantastic experience as they explore the historical site. It's a popular destination for evening walks and for learning about the ancient Dilmun civilisation. The lighting ceremony is a highlight of any visit to the museum, which opened to the public in February 2008. Visitors can enjoy evening strolls around the lit-up fort, taking in the historical surroundings and the unique atmosphere.Visit The MuseumDon't miss the fort museum, which covers an area of over 17.5 hectares and houses approximately 5,000 archaeological artifacts discovered by excavators at the site of an ancient fort. These pieces represent various ages and eras of the Dilmun civilisation. The museum also displays ancient weaponry, including a mangonel (a historical catapult) and hand grenades found at Bahrain Fort. Additionally, you can see bows and arrows that were used to target distant enemies. You can take advantage of a free audio guide that provides information about the site's history and significance.Hang Out At The Bahrain Fort CafeWith blue skies and sea backdropped by an ancient fort, it's hard to find a more serene location to enjoy a snack and a cup of your favourite beverage. Sit back and enjoy the views at Green Bar Cafe. The menu features a selection of sandwiches, mezze platters, local dishes like the Hamour Shawarma, delectable desserts such as Mulberry Dolma, made from local mulberry trees; Goji berry teas; and a range of juices. The Information | Bahrain FortPrice: Entry to Bahrain Fort is free for everyone. However, visiting the Bahrain Fort Museum requires an admission fee of BHD 2 (roughly INR 450) for foreigners and BHD 1 (roughly INR 230) for GCC citizens. Timings: Bahrain Fort: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm Bahrain Fort Museum: Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am to 8 pmTop 5 Places To Visit In Bahrain For History Lovers