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Bahrain Fort Museum: A Journey Through Time

Explore 4000 years of history at Bahrain Fort Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Bahrain's rich cultural heritage.

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The Bahrain Fort Museum, located at the Qal'at al-Bahrain UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers an immersive journey through Bahrain's captivating past, spanning over four millennia. The museum showcases artifacts discovered at the site, documenting archaeological periods and preserving the island's legacy as a crossroads of civilizations.

A brief summary to Bahrain Fort Museum

Local tips

  • Visit the museum early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning views from the top of the fort.
  • Hire a tour guide to fully understand the site's historical significance.
  • Dress comfortably and wear walking shoes to explore the fort and museum.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Manama, the most economical way to reach the Bahrain Fort Museum is by bus. Head to the Manama bus station and board bus number 23 towards Al Qalah. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. Get off at the Karbabad bus stop, which is the closest stop to the museum. From there, it's a 500-700 meter walk to the fort. A single bus ticket costs 0.300 BHD. You can pay with exact change or use a GO Card, which can be purchased and topped up at the bus terminal for 0.500 BHD. With the GO Card, each trip will cost 0.275 BHD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Manama and can take you directly to the Bahrain Fort Museum. The journey from Manama typically takes around 10 minutes. The starting price of a taxi in Bahrain is 2.0 BHD, with each kilometer priced at 1.0 BHD. A 5km ride in Bahrain costs about 7 BHD. Ensure the driver uses the meter to avoid overcharging.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Al Qalah area, walking to the Bahrain Fort Museum is a viable option. Follow Road 3863; you will see the Bahrain Fort Museum on your right. There are no costs associated with walking.

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Discover more about Bahrain Fort Museum

The Bahrain Fort Museum, an integral part of the Qal'at al-Bahrain UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to Bahrain's enduring legacy as a crossroads of civilizations. Located on the northern coast, approximately 6 kilometers from Manama, the museum offers visitors an immersive journey through the island's captivating past, spanning over four millennia. The museum not only preserves the ancient historic features of the site but also meticulously documents the archaeological periods through the preservation of artifacts discovered at the site. Opened in February 2008, the museum's collection showcases five different historical periods arranged chronologically, each within its own separate gallery. Highlights include cuneiform inscriptions, Dilmun seals, Greek coins, and stone statues. The pottery collection reflects Bahrain's historical links with China, India, and Persia during the Islamic period, while artifacts like jewelry and musical instruments represent the Portuguese era. Excavations at the Qal'at al-Bahrain site have revealed that it is an artificial mound made up of layers created by successive occupation dating back as far as 2300 BC. The fort was the capital of the Dilmun civilization, mentioned in 4th-century BC Sumerian cuneiform clay tablets. The present fort dates from the 16th century, built by the Portuguese. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins of the fort, walk along the ancient walls, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. The museum also features a stylish café with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the sea, as well as a gift shop.

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