Qalat Bu Mahir

Bahrain

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An ancient defence fort built around 1840 to spot invading boats, the Bu Mahir Fort stares out across a bay to the high rises of Manama, making it an ideal spot for photographing the city's skyline. One of the joys is getting here via a small shuttle boat (BD1) from the National Museum, which runs every 15 minutes.

The fort will be the starting point of the walking Pearling Path route, and a new visitors centre has been built in anticipation. Eventually a footbridge will bypass the highway and connect it to old Muharraq.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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    2.43 MILES

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Nearby Bahrain attractions

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0.58 MILES

It can be a bit hit or miss as to whether you see any action here, but it's worth pulling over to admire the half-built wooden dhows (traditional cargo…

2. Muharraq Souq

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Running through the heart of Muharraq city, the souq is an atmospheric old Bahraini bazaar where all the needs of daily life are bought and bartered for…

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This traditional house was built in 1905 on reclaimed land by the Bin Matar pearl trading family, who lived here until 2002. Once surrounded by sea on…

5. Al Korar House

0.89 MILES

In this house, Muharraq women work to preserve the craft of al korar (gold-thread weaving), which three generations of a local family saved from…

8. Al Nukhida House

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Despite its modest appearance, this captain's (nukhida) house was historically a very important place for the pearling industry. Visitors and divers who…

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