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Renowned as a desert holiday hub for the masses the breathtaking landscapes of Bahrain are also home to a plethora of historic attractions. The must-visit ancient sites in the country are as follows.
Occupying pride of place in the village of the same name a stopover at the ancient Diraz Temple is a must for those travelling on the Budaiya Highway. Discovered through excavation by British archeologists in the early half of the 1970's, this unique religious edifice boasts large cylindrical pillars that vary from the typical temple features of the Mesopotamian era. Believed to been built during the third millennium BC the unearthed columns of the temple extend 60cm from the ground from its submerged base deep within the earth.
Tipped to be one of the most extensive and expansive graveyards on earth this intriguing ancient site that lies between A'ali and the heart of Hamad's commercial centre contains a whopping 170,000 burial mounds. Constructed as early as 3000 BC when the populace of the planet was no more than 30 million people this ancient burial site is believed to have been built five centuries before the Great Pyramid of Giza. The remains of the Dilmunite royal lineage are also known to be housed within larger and more visible mounds located adjacent to the village of A'ali.
Regarded as one of the most coveted archeological discoveries in the country within the 21st century the Barbar Temple was unearthed by a group of Danish archeologists in 1954. Although the principle deity to which the temple is consecrated has yet to be discovered the venue is of significant historic value in terms of understanding the Mesopotamian era. Showcasing classical building techniques used in Mesopotamian civilizations the temple also bears similarities with similar structures in Iraq. Visitors based in Somerset Al Fateh Bahrain or a holiday apartment Bahrain counts among its well-situated rests can reach this site with the aid of local tour operators booked through the apart hotel.
As a location with a strong documented connection to the Dilmun civilization the Saar Digs in Bahrain resemble the characteristics of this ancient civilization found in ancient Iraqi texts. As a quaint village Saar measures in at 100m by 150m with remnants found within its confines dating back to the Dilmun period. Believed to have existed within the 3rd millennium BC the relics unearthed within the Saar dig tell of an organized civil society that may have been more advanced than that of the modern world in terms of social order.
Built on a site that is more than 5000 years old Bahrain Fort, also known as Qal'at Al Bahrain was first inhabited by citizens back in 3rd century BC. Known as the commercial capital of the Dilmun Civilization the venue was occupied for several thousand years till Portuguese invaders built a fort in the 16th century. As the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the island this iconic structure is a must-visit highlight that also houses a museum within its confines.
As an iconic representation of the resilient Bahraini spirit the Tree of Life is a centuries old tree found in the desert. Thriving without a discernible water source for over a century the tree is believed to be over 300 years in age according to local beliefs. Known as the equivalent of a camel in flora species this mesquite genera tree has survived countless droughts and harsh weather conditions through the annals of time. Surrounded by nothing but desert and with no apparent water source feeding its roots this miracle in the desert is a historic site attributed to the Dilmun era as well as a mystical attraction that draws visitors in large numbers.
