Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort

Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort, also known as Riffa Fort or Qal'at ar-Riffa, lies in the eastern part of the city of Riffa in Bahrain.

The fort is located on a cliff overlooking the low desert valley between the old town of East Riffa and the new town of West Riffa.

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

In the early 18th century, Fareer bin Rahhal built a fort here. As Shaikh al Jabri's rule declined and years passed, the fort fell into ruin, leaving only its foundations. When the Utub settled in Bahrain, Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh of the Al Khalifa family chose Riffa as his residence and built a new fort in 1812 using the old foundations.

Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort differs from other forts in Bahrain in that it was used not only for defense but also as the residence of the ruling Al Khalifa family. In 1848, Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, the ruler of Bahrain, was born in a room in the northeastern tower. During his residence in the fort in the early 20th century, Shaikh Humood bin Subah Al Khalifa rebuilt parts of the fort. By the end of the 20th century, however, the fort had fallen into ruin, but it was then fully restored and opened to visitors.

The fort has a square layout with 2 circular and 2 rectangular towers at its corners, with the northeastern tower serving as the main gate. Inside, there are 3 courtyards.

Today, the Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can tour the fort freely during the day. The on-site museum requires an entrance fee but is well worth a visit. This is a beautiful fort with several rooms featuring interesting architectural details carved from gypsum.

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