Manama, Bahrain
Historical building located in the Customs Square in the central business district of Manama
Bab Al Bahrain, the Gateway of Bahrain, is a historic building on Customs Square in Manama's old business district, on Government Avenue, and the main entrance to the Manama Souq. Designed by Sir Charles Belgrave, adviser to the ruler, it was completed in 1949 when it stood right on the shoreline, its square receiving goods and travellers from the port. Large-scale land reclamation in the later 20th century pushed the sea several kilometres away, and King Faisal Highway and the Bahrain Financial Harbour now stand on the new land. Its square is considered the region's first formal public space. The building was refurbished in 1986 to bring out Islamic architectural features, and its façade and interiors were fully renewed in 2013. It is essentially a great arch with a road running beneath, topped by small towers and balconies; for Bahrainis, passing under it means entering the souq. The ground floor now houses the tourist information office and a shop for Bahraini handicrafts, and sightseeing bus tours leave from the square.
Start your Manama Souq walk here and stop at the tourist information office for maps and tips. Late afternoon, when the souq comes alive, is best. Wikivoyage notes the office closes at midday. The square is good for photos, but traffic is heavy, so cross with care.
Hours and prices change — check before you go. Source: en.wikipedia.org
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AttractionManama, Bahrain
