The Bahrain Fort is one of the nation’s most recognizable landmarks. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the must-see places in Bahrain.
Location and How to Get to This Specific Site
The fort is located in Manama, the nation’s capital. Once you get in Bahrain from the airport, you can get a taxi or rent a car. All the roads point to Manama so it is easy to get to the fort.
What to See There
The Bahrain Fort is comprised of several mounds. Following some renovations, the site has been improved. There is now lighting so it can be seen clearly at night. The 600 meter tell shows evidence for its human presence.
30% of the site has been excavated. Numerous structures have been unearthed. Buildings of various types have been unearthed. Religious and military buildings have been uncovered. 
History
The fort’s name means Bahrain Castle. The mounds were constructed by the ancient people c. 2300 BC. Research has revealed that it was once the seat of the Dilmun civilization. The fort itself though, was constructed during the 14th century. The Dilmun civilization dates back to 3,000 BC.
Extensive excavations reveal continuous habitation from 2300 BC to the 16th century. The fort is also known as Qal`at al-Bahrain. In ancient times it was called Portugal Fort (Qal’at al Portugal). The many discoveries at the site led to it being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cost
Taxi fares cost 5-6 Dinars (US$13.30-$16.00) for a drive around the city.
Other Info
The mound measures 400 x 700 meters. Its height is about 9 meters. The fort is considered important due to its historical value. It is also the world’s primary resource for information about the Dilmun civilization.
Archeologists have so far uncovered half a dozen cities. The first city was constructed around 2800 BC. The second city has a wall and is situated to the fort’s northwest side.
The third city was built around 1700 to 1200 BC. The fourth city remains include a gate. It was probably built c. 900 to 600 BC. The fifth city includes Greek pottery remains, suggesting trade relations with that country. The sixth city was created around 1100- 1400 A.D. The city has a walled palace located to the north side.
If you’re going on a trip to the Bahrain Fort, make sure to bring water with you. From April to August, the temperatures can reach 50 C.
