The history of the Kingdom of Bahrain goes back to ancient Mesopotamia when the country was named Dilmun. The Akkadians and Sumerians lived within its area. These peoples were first mentioned in records in the third millennium BC. During that time, an artificial hill appeared where an early fortress was built later. Ancient Sumerians and Jews called this place Eden. Here was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Dilmun with a mighty stone citadel dating from the 14th century BC. On its remains, in the 16th century, the Portuguese built a defensive fort. Both the ancient stones of the Dilmun fortress, discovered during numerous archaeological excavations, and the ruins of the medieval Portuguese fort are open to the public. Qal’at al-Bahrain is especially beautiful twice a day, at dawn and dusk when the sun sets under the horizon.

Since 2005, the Qal’at al-Bahrain Fort has been listed as the UNESCO World Heritage. It is located on a vast scenic hill with over 17 hectares and is one of the top-of-the-list tourist landmarks of the kingdom. Residential and public buildings, commercial and military structures prove that many peoples had lived in these lands as each left its mark on the fort’s history. Particularly noteworthy are medieval barns and stables, perfectly preserved to this day. All these remnants of early buildings confirm historical records: long ago, there was an important trading port, a religious and cultural center of the ancient country.

Archaeological excavations continue to this day because only 25 percent have been studied. More than 500 artifacts found by archaeologists are kept in the archaeological museum, whose five halls are located along the fort walls within its premises. Besides, each tourist can take advantage of the audio guide and listen to an exciting tour while walking through the fort and the museum.