Background

Saar Temple: Echoes of the Dilmun Civilization

Explore the ancient Dilmun civilization at Saar Temple, a window into Bahrain's rich history and a 4,000-year-old merchant town.

3.7

Saar Temple, located in Saar, Bahrain, is an archaeological site dating back to the Dilmun era (3000-1600 BCE). The well-preserved ruins offer a glimpse into the lives, beliefs, and society of this ancient civilization, including a temple and residential buildings.

A brief summary to Saar Temple

  • 5FMQ+2M2, Saar, BH

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler months (October to April) to avoid the intense summer heat.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the site involves walking over uneven terrain.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby burial chambers to get a more complete picture of the Dilmun civilization.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Saar Mall, take Bus Line 11 or Line 13 towards the Saar area. Disembark at the stop closest to the intersection of Road 433 and Road 489. Walk north on Road 489 for about 500 meters. Look for signs leading to Saar Temple. A single bus fare costs approximately 0.20 BHD.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From central Saar (e.g., Saar Mall), a taxi or ride-share to Saar Temple will take about 5-10 minutes. Use the destination coordinates 26.1825226, 50.4891513 or search for 'Saar Temple' in the ride-share app. The estimated fare is between 1-2 BHD.

  • Walking

    If starting from Saar Mall, exit and head northwest on Road 433 for 1 kilometer. Turn right onto Road 489 and continue for 500 meters. Look for signs directing you to Saar Temple. The walk takes approximately 20-25 minutes.

Unlock the Best of Saar Temple

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Saar Temple

Saar Temple, officially known as the Saar Archaeological Site, is located in the town of Saar, west of Manama. This well-preserved site provides a captivating journey back to the Dilmun era, a civilization that thrived in the region over 4,000 years ago. Discovered in the late 1970s, excavations have revealed remnants of a well-planned town that existed between approximately 2100 and 1850 BC. The Saar settlement was home to a thriving community of merchants who played a vital role in the ancient Arabian Gulf trade network. The town's strategic location facilitated the movement of goods between Oman, the Indus Valley, and Mesopotamia. Archaeological excavations have unearthed artifacts, including copper fishhooks, bitumen nodules, and pearl oyster shells, providing insights into the daily lives and economic activities of the town's inhabitants. The heart of the Saar settlement is the temple complex, believed to have been a central place of worship and a focal point for community gatherings. The temple's design features a trapezoid-shaped room with a small storage area and three central columns that once supported the roof. Archaeologists believe the temple was used to mark the summer solstice, highlighting the advanced astronomical knowledge of the Dilmun civilization. Surrounding the temple are the remains of residential buildings, offering a glimpse into the domestic lives of the Saar inhabitants. South of the residential area lies the town's burial complex, featuring interconnected graves in a honeycomb-like structure, unique to Bahrain and offering insights into Dilmun beliefs about death and the afterlife.

Popular Experiences near Saar Temple

Popular Hotels near Saar Temple

Select Currency