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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 3.5km Pearling Path in Muharraq.

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Explore Bahrain's pearling history at the Pearling Pathway Visitor Center and Bu Maher Fort in Muharraq. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers cultural insights and panoramic views of the island's maritime past. Discover the story of Bahrain's pearl diving heritage at the start of the 3.5-kilometer Pearling Path.

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 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the 3.5km Pearling Path through Muharraq.
  • Visit during the cooler months (October to April) for a more pleasant experience.
  • Check the opening hours of the Visitor Center and plan your visit accordingly.
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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.

  • 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.

  • Public Transport

    Take bus A1 or A2 to Airport Avenue-3/Muharraq Park. From there, it is a 4 minute walk to the Pearling Pathway Visitor Center. A single bus fare costs approximately 0.30 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 provides 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, constructed in 1840, stands as a testament to Bahrain's maritime past. Its origins may trace back to a 16th-century Portuguese fortification. Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa built the current structure, which 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, British warships destroyed it during the Qatari-Bahraini War. The fort 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 visitor center features a three-dimensional display that guides visitors through the history of the path and the houses that formed it, from the early beginnings to the main pearling traders. The Pearling Path itself extends beyond the fort and visitor center, encompassing a 3.5-kilometer trail through the old city of Muharraq. This path includes a series of historic buildings, traditional houses, and cultural sites that once belonged to pearl merchants, divers, and boat builders. Walking the path allows visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of old Muharraq and gain a deeper appreciation for the city's unique urban heritage.

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