Exploring Riffa, Bahrain: A Local's Guide To The City's Best

Riffa, the second-largest city in Bahrain, is a popular tourist destination. The city is divided into three parts: East Riffa, West Riffa, and North Riffa, all located in the Southern Governorate. East Riffa, known for its attractions, restaurants, and shopping malls, is home to the Bahrain National Stadium and the Royal Golf Club. West Riffa, predominantly a residential area, is home to the ruling family, ministers, and business investors.

- Bahrain Military Museum

- Sheikh Salman Bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort (Riffa Fort)

- Dilmun Burial Mounds

- Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club

- Aldoy International Sports & Martial Arts Centre

- Enma Mall

- Lulu Hypermarket Mall

Sheikh Salman Bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort

Riffa, Bahrain's "royal" city, is the second-largest in the country after the capital, Manama. It is divided into two parts: East Riffa and West Riffa.

The first fortification on this site was probably built during the 17th century. A British commander who visited the fort wrote in his journal that he entered through a tunnel and signed a treaty with the local ruler in an underground chamber. Neither the tunnel nor the chamber has been located.

In the early 18th century, a fort was built on the site by Fareer bin Rahhal. Over time, it fell into ruin, leaving only the foundation. During the reign of Sheikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh Al Khalifa, he rebuilt the fort using the existing foundation in 1812. The fort was used for defence and as the residence of Shaikh Salman bin Al Fateh.

Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort is distinct from other forts in Bahrain as it was also used as the residence of the ruling Al Khalifa family. Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, the Bahraini ruler from 1869 to 1932, was born in the fort in 1848. During his residence in the early 20th century, Shaikh Humood bin Subah Al Khalifa rebuilt parts of the fort. However, by the end of the century, it had fallen into ruin once more. It was then fully restored and opened to visitors.

The fort has a square ground plan with two circular and two rectangular towers at its corners. The northeastern tower serves as a gate tower, and inside there are three courtyards.

Today, the fort is a tourist attraction. Visitors can enter the fort for free during the daytime. There is also a museum inside the fort, which requires a ticket for entry. The fort features several rooms with intricate architectural details made from gypsum.

Bahrain Military Museum

The Bahrain Military Museum is one of the top attractions in Riffa, Bahrain. The museum opened in 2013 and showcases the country's military history. It is free to enter and is located near the Sheikh Salman Bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort in East Riffa. The museum is home to a variety of impressive exhibits, including weapons, combat equipment, shields, spears, bows, daggers, swords, guns, cannons, and tanks. There is also a naval section dedicated to the Navy force. The Bahrain Military Museum is a great place to learn about the military's impact on the planet and human history. It usually takes visitors between 30 minutes to one hour to explore the museum.

Dilmun Burial Mounds

The Dilmun Burial Mounds are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprising 21 necropolis areas on the main island of Bahrain. The site is made up of 11,774 burial mounds, with six sites containing dozens to several thousand tumuli, and the remaining 15 sites consisting of 13 single royal mounds and two pairs of royal mounds.

The mounds were constructed during the Early Dilmun Period, over a span of 300 years, between 2050 and 1750 BCE. During this period, Bahrain became an important international trade hub, leading to population growth and social complexity. This is reflected in the variety of graves, which vary in size and include chieftain mounds and royal mounds.

Each tumulus is composed of a central stone chamber, enclosed by a low ring wall and covered by earth and gravel. The mounds vary in size, with the majority measuring 15 by 30 feet in diameter and 3 to 6 feet in height. The chambers usually contain a single burial, with the deceased laid on their right side, with their head at the alcove end. Few items were buried with the bodies, including pottery, shell or stone stamp seals, baskets, ivory objects, stone jars, and copper weapons.

The Dilmun Burial Mounds offer valuable insights into the Early Dilmun civilization and their burial practices. They are an important archaeological site, contributing to our understanding of the society and culture of ancient Bahrain.

East Riffa shopping malls

East Riffa is home to several shopping malls, including Enma Mall and Lulu Hypermarket Mall, which are new additions to the rapidly increasing number of commercial centres in the area. Another mall in East Riffa is Oasis Mall, which offers 200,000 sq. ft. of retail space across three levels. The mall has 38 stores, including Centrepoint, Home Centre, Max, Fitness First, and Funcity.

East Riffa also has two main shopping streets: Riffa Bazaar (Souk al-Rifaa) and Bukuwara Street Market. The former is larger, while the latter is more modern and organised.

West Riffa landmarks

West Riffa is a residential area of Riffa, Bahrain, where the majority of the ruling family, ministers, and business investors live. Here are some of the landmarks in West Riffa:

Riffa Palace

West Riffa is home to Riffa Palace, where the former rulers of Bahrain, Sheikh Salman bin Hamad and Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, lived.

Al Hunaynya and Umm Ghwayfa Springs

West Riffa is also known for its well-known springs, Al Hunaynya and Umm Ghwayfa, which were once considered to be the purest and finest water sources in Bahrain.

Clock Tower

West Riffa is home to one of the city's most iconic buildings, the clock tower. It is located in the centre of West Riffa.

Riffa Fort

Also known as Sheikh Salman Bin Ahmad Al Fateh Fort, this fort is a historic landmark offering insights into Bahrain's past. It dates back to the 18th century and provides panoramic views of the Hunanaiya Valley. The fort has a museum inside that can be visited for a small fee.

Riffa Bazaar (Souq Riffa)

Although it is also a popular attraction in East Riffa, Riffa Bazaar is a great place to visit in West Riffa as well. It is a bustling traditional market where you can find Bahraini handicrafts, textiles, and spices.

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