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Pearling Pathway Visitor Center & Bu Maher Fort

Explore Bahrain's rich pearling history at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the starting point of the Pearling Path in historic Muharraq.

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Discover Bahrain's pearling history at the Pearling Pathway Visitor Center 1- Bu Maher Fort in Muharraq. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers cultural insights and panoramic views of a bygone era when Bahrain was the center of the pearling world.

A brief summary to Pearling Pathway Visitor Center 1- BuMaher Fort

  • 6JR7+HJ3, Muharraq, BH
  • Monday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the 3.5km Pearling Path through Muharraq after visiting the fort.
  • Check the boat schedule from the Bahrain National Museum to Bu Maher Fort for a scenic arrival.
  • Visit during the cooler months (October to April) to avoid the harsh summer heat.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Muharraq bus station, the Pearling Pathway Visitor Center at Bu Maher Fort is a short 10-minute walk. Follow the signs for the Pearling Path, or use a map application to navigate. The path is well-marked with pearl-shaped streetlights, guiding you through the historic streets of Muharraq. As you approach the coastline, you'll see the fort on your right.

  • Public Transport

    Take the A1 or 12 bus to Muharraq Bus Terminal. From there, it's a 10-minute walk to the Pearling Pathway Visitor Center at Bu Maher Fort. A single bus fare is approximately 0.30 BHD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Muharraq. A short taxi ride to Bu Maher Fort from anywhere in Muharraq will cost approximately 3-9 BHD, depending on the distance and traffic. Ride-sharing apps are also available.

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Discover more about Pearling Pathway Visitor Center 1- BuMaher Fort

The Pearling Pathway Visitor Center and Bu Maher Fort mark the beginning of the Pearling Path, a UNESCO World Heritage site that tells the story of Bahrain's pearling era. The 3.5-kilometer path winds through the old city of Muharraq, encompassing historic buildings that once belonged to pearl merchants, divers, and boat builders. Bu Maher Fort, also known as Qala't Bu Maher, is more than just a historical structure; it is a gateway to understanding the economic, social, and cultural significance of pearling in the region. Originally constructed in 1840, the fort's history may extend back to a 16th-century Portuguese fortification. Archaeological evidence suggests that the site may have been occupied as far back as the Umayyad or early Abbasid periods. Strategically built by Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, it guarded the passageway of Muharraq Bay, serving as a sister fort to Arad Fort. In 1868, British warships destroyed the fort during the Qatari-Bahraini War. It was partially restored in 1930 to serve as a quarantine station for smallpox. Further reconstruction occurred in the 1970s, and archaeological excavations have been conducted as recently as 2010. Today, only a solitary tower remains. Adjacent to the fort, the Pearling Pathway Visitor Center enhances the experience by providing comprehensive insights into the pearling industry. The center houses an illustrated map of the Pearling Trail and models of the sites along the way. It aims to introduce the public to the architectural character that went hand in hand with the traditional pearling trade, highlighting its surrounding environment and building an understanding of the social components of that era.

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