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Arad Fort: A Sentinel of Bahrain's Past

Explore Arad Fort in Muharraq, Bahrain: A historic Islamic fortress offering a glimpse into the island's rich past and strategic importance.

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Arad Fort, a 15th-century Islamic fort in Muharraq, Bahrain, stands as a testament to the island's strategic importance. Its well-preserved structure, featuring traditional Islamic military architecture, offers visitors a glimpse into Bahrain's rich and layered history, shaped by Portuguese, Persian, and Omani influences.

A brief summary to Arad Fort

Local tips

  • Visit in the late afternoon or early evening to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the fort illuminated at night.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Seef Mall Muharraq for shopping and dining.
  • Take a stroll along the nearby coastal path to enjoy the breathtaking sunset and striking modern architecture across the water.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Manama, take a local bus towards Muharraq. The bus journey takes approximately 11 minutes, with buses departing every 20 minutes from Palace Avenue. Alight at Al Muharraq bus stop, which is a short walk from Arad Fort. The bus fare is approximately 0.20 BHD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Manama and can be hailed on the street or booked through ride-hailing apps. A taxi ride from Manama to Arad Fort typically takes around 8 minutes and costs between 11-14 BHD.

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Discover more about Arad Fort

Arad Fort, located on the coast of Muharraq Island, is a captivating historical site that provides a unique window into Bahrain's past. Constructed in the late 15th century in the style of traditional Islamic fortresses, the fort played a crucial role in Bahrain's defense for centuries. Its name is derived from 'Arados,' the ancient Greek term for Muharraq. The fort's architecture reflects a blend of Arabian, Persian, and Portuguese influences. The square layout features imposing cylindrical towers at each corner, connected by upper passages. These towers provided strategic vantage points for observing the surrounding sea and land, while the thick walls, made of coral stone and limestone, offered protection against attacks. A shallow ditch, once filled with water from wells, encircled the fort, adding another layer of defense. Throughout its history, Arad Fort has been controlled by various powers, including the Portuguese, who occupied it in 1521, and the Omanis, who used it as their headquarters in the 1800s. Each era left its mark on the fort's structure and purpose, contributing to its rich and layered history. Today, Arad Fort stands as a symbol of Bahrain's resilience and a popular tourist attraction, hosting various cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Visitors can explore its well-preserved structure, walk along the walls, climb the towers for panoramic views, and immerse themselves in the heritage and ancient relics.

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