Background

Duraz Temple: Echoes of the Dilmun Civilization

Explore the Duraz Temple in Bahrain, a window into the island's Dilmun civilization dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE.

3.3

The Duraz Temple, located in the village of Barbar, Bahrain, is an archaeological site dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE. Though modest in scale, it offers a glimpse into the ancient Dilmun civilization with its unique cylindrical columns and historical artifacts.

A brief summary to Duraz Temple

  • 6F8F+RR5, Barbar, BH

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy better lighting for photography.
  • Combine your visit to Duraz Temple with a trip to the nearby Barbar Temple and Qal'at al-Bahrain for a comprehensive historical experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven surfaces while exploring the temple ruins.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Manama, take bus X2 or X3 towards Budaiya. Alight at the Budaiya Highway-9/Markh or Budaiya Highway-10/Diraz bus stop, both within a short walking distance (3-4 minutes) of the temple. The bus fare is approximately 0.30 BHD. Check the latest bus schedules as they may vary.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber/Careem) are readily available in Manama. A taxi ride from central Manama to Duraz Temple will cost approximately 5-10 BHD, depending on traffic and the specific location. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Note that late-night rides (from midnight to 6 AM) incur an additional surcharge, with the starting fare increasing to BHD 1.5.

  • Driving

    From Manama, head northwest on Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway. Take the exit towards Barbar/Diraz. Follow the signs to Diraz. The temple is located just north of Budaiya Highway. Parking is available near the site. Note that Google Maps or Waze may lead you slightly past the parking lot, so keep an eye out for the signs.

Unlock the Best of Duraz Temple

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Duraz Temple

Nestled in the village of Barbar, the Duraz Temple stands as a poignant reminder of Bahrain's ancient heritage, offering a window into the Dilmun civilization that thrived in this region millennia ago. Dating back to approximately the 3rd millennium BCE, this archaeological site, though modest in size, holds significant historical and cultural value. Unlike the grand temples of Mesopotamia or the Indus Valley, the Duraz Temple boasts unique architectural characteristics that set it apart. Its most distinctive feature is the presence of cylindrical columns, a design element not commonly found in other temples of the same era. These columns, though now mostly reduced to remnants, once supported a central structure, possibly a hall or a sacred space. The arrangement of these columns, along with a square base discovered in the center, suggests a deliberate and sophisticated architectural plan. Excavated by a British expedition in the 1970s, the Duraz Temple site has yielded valuable artifacts that shed light on the religious practices and daily life of the Dilmun people. Among the discoveries were fragments of clay vessels, two stamp seals adorned with animal figures, and distinctive Barbar pottery. These artifacts provide tangible evidence of the Dilmun civilization's artistic skills, trade connections, and spiritual beliefs. Despite its historical importance, the Duraz Temple has faced the challenges of modernization and urbanization. In recent decades, rapid development in Bahrain has led to the reduction of the site to a remnant of approximately 700 square meters. However, efforts are underway to preserve and protect this valuable piece of Bahrain's past, ensuring that future generations can appreciate its significance.

Popular Experiences near Duraz Temple

Popular Hotels near Duraz Temple

Select Currency