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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 Pathway in Muharraq.

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Explore Bahrain's pearling history at the Pearling Pathway Visitor Center and Bu Maher Fort in Muharraq, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering cultural insights and panoramic views. The fort marks the beginning of a 3.5km trail through the old city, encompassing historic buildings of pearl merchants, divers and boat builders.

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

  • 6JR7+HJ3, Muharraq, BH

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the 3.5km Pearling Path through Muharraq.
  • Visit in the morning to avoid the heat and to experience the local culture.
  • Check the opening hours of the Visitor Center and plan your visit accordingly.
  • Take a boat trip from the Bahrain National Museum to Bu Maher Fort for a unique perspective.
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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. Follow the signs for the Pearling Path. A single bus fare costs approximately $1.

  • Taxi

    From anywhere in Muharraq, a taxi or ride-share to the Pearling Pathway Visitor Center is readily available. Simply provide the driver with the name 'Bu Maher Fort' or the coordinates (26.241398, 50.6140391). The ride should be short and relatively inexpensive, costing approximately 1-3 BHD depending on the starting point and traffic conditions. A 5km ride in Muharraq costs about 7-9 BHD.

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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 inscribed in 2012. This historical complex offers a unique opportunity to delve into Bahrain's pearling industry, which flourished for centuries and significantly shaped the island’s economy and culture. Bu Maher Fort, also known as Qal'at Bu Maher, was constructed in 1840, possibly on the site of a 16th-century Portuguese fortification. It served as a strategic defense point, guarding the passageway of Muharraq Bay, and acted as a sister fort to the nearby Arad Fort. In 1868, the fort was partially destroyed by British warships. It was later partially restored in 1930 as a quarantine station for smallpox. Further reconstruction occurred in the 1970s, with archaeological excavations continuing as recently as 2010. Today, only a solitary tower remains. The Pearling Pathway extends 3.5 kilometers through Muharraq, including historic buildings, traditional houses, and cultural sites once belonging to pearl merchants, divers, and boat builders. Walking the path allows visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of old Muharraq and appreciate the city's unique urban heritage. The visitor center houses an illustrated map of the Pearling Trail and models of the sites. It aims to introduce the public to the architecture and social components of the traditional pearling trade.

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