Fortress Rifaa
The newest of the three remaining fortresses of Bahrain, Rifaa, was built in 1812 – 1818. as the residence of the ruling dynasty of Aal Khalifa by the decree of Sheikh Salman bin Ahmed (ruled in 1796 – 1825), therefore, the fortress is sometimes called by its name. Currently - a museum.
The fortress is well preserved thanks to the care of the authorities, including because in 1848, sheikh Isa ben Ali was born here (ruled in 1869 – 1932), which is described in the Arabic plaque. Sheikh Isa bin Ali - great-grandfather of the current king Sheikh Hamad bin Isa.
In terms of terms, the fortress is a rectangle with side lengths of 53 m and 56 m, stretched from the south-east to north-west. Wall thickness. 3 m. At the corners of the fortress are 4 towers: north and south - rectangular, western and east - round.
There was no defensive moat from the very beginning. The fortress is located in the center of the island of Bahrain, in a desert area. To the nearest sea shore (in the east) - approx. 6 km.
The courtyard, an area of approx. 2700 sq. m, densely built up and divided into three parts, each of which with its own courtyard.
Visitors have access to the walls, towers and most of the premises of the fortress.
The fortress is well preserved thanks to the care of the authorities, including because in 1848, sheikh Isa ben Ali was born here (ruled in 1869 – 1932), which is described in the Arabic plaque. Sheikh Isa bin Ali - great-grandfather of the current king Sheikh Hamad bin Isa.
In terms of terms, the fortress is a rectangle with side lengths of 53 m and 56 m, stretched from the south-east to north-west. Wall thickness. 3 m. At the corners of the fortress are 4 towers: north and south - rectangular, western and east - round.
There was no defensive moat from the very beginning. The fortress is located in the center of the island of Bahrain, in a desert area. To the nearest sea shore (in the east) - approx. 6 km.
The courtyard, an area of approx. 2700 sq. m, densely built up and divided into three parts, each of which with its own courtyard.
Visitors have access to the walls, towers and most of the premises of the fortress.
Northwest wall
The author's father in the western round tower
The house in which Sheikh Isa bin Ali was born
Information