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Pearling Pathway Visitor Center & Bu Maher Fort: A Dive into Bahrain's Pearling History

Explore Bahrain's pearling history at the Pearling Pathway Visitor Center and Bu Maher Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Muharraq.

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The Pearling Pathway Visitor Center and Bu Maher Fort in Muharraq mark the beginning of the UNESCO-listed Pearling Path, offering a glimpse into Bahrain's rich pearling history. Explore the fort, learn about the pearling industry, and immerse yourself in the island's cultural heritage.

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 after visiting the fort.
  • Visit during the cooler months (October to April) to avoid the harsh summer heat.
  • Check the Bahrain National Museum's boat schedule for a scenic boat trip to Bu Maher Fort.
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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 bus from Tubli to Muharraq. The bus departs every 20 minutes and costs $1. From the Muharraq Bus Terminal , 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/Ride-Share

    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.

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Discover more about Pearling Pathway Visitor Center 1- BuMaher Fort

The Pearling Pathway Visitor Center and Bu Maher Fort, located in Muharraq, Bahrain, serve as the starting point for exploring the Pearling Path, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historical complex provides visitors with 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 Qala't 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 during the Qatari-Bahraini War. It was later partially restored in 1930 to serve as a quarantine station for smallpox. Today, a solitary tower remains, a testament to the fort's storied past. The Pearling Path itself extends beyond the fort, 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. The Pearling Path is a living open-air museum, documenting a particular period in the Kingdom's history when its economy was largely dependent on pearling trades. The Pearling Pathway is more than just a historical site; it is a reflection of the Bahraini people's identity. It tells the story of a time when Bahrain was the center of the pearling world, and its economy and culture were shaped by the pearl trade.

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