Riffa Fort

Riffa Fort, properly Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort, stands on the edge of the Hunanaiya valley at East Riffa, built in 1812 on earlier foundations and used as the ruler's residence through the nineteenth century. It was restored in the 1980s and holds a museum of the period. The position on the escarpment gives a long view across the valley, which is why it was built there.

History

Fareer bin Rahhal built a fort here early in the 18th century, which fell into ruin leaving only its foundations, and in 1812 Sheikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh Al Khalifa rebuilt it on them for defence and as his residence. It passed to his grandchildren, and Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, ruler of Bahrain from 1869 to 1932, was born in the fort (Wikipedia, Riffa Fort).

What you'll find

• The valley position - the fort set on the escarpment above Hunanaiya.
• The 1812 building - the ruler's residence through the nineteenth century.
• The restored interior - rooms furnished to the period as a museum.
• The long view - the outlook across the valley the site was chosen for.

When to go

November to March is the comfortable season. Evenings are when the fort is floodlit. It keeps set hours and closes on some days.

Practical notes

Restoration is heavy and much of the fabric is rebuilt. The interior displays are limited. The valley below has been developed and the view is not what it was.

Nearby

Riffa is around it, and Manama is north.

Key facts