Tree of Life and the Bahrain Fort

Bahrain’s location has made it a center for trade for centuries, and the Bahrain Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage site — is a Portugeuse-built structure on the site of the capital of an ancient civilization. It was built between the 15th and early 17th century, and is a must-visit if you’re in Bahrain. It also happens to serve as an amazing backdrop for photos.

Bahrain Fort

Bahrain Fort

Getting to the fort can be a little tricky — we ended up on a tiny dirt road between several farms on our way there — but there’s plenty of parking and room to explore once you’re there.

Bahrain Fort

Bahrain Fort

Bahrain Fort

You’ll definitely want to wear comfortable shoes for exploring; there’s a lot of walking and stair climbing involved.

Bahfrain Fort

Bahrain Fort

The fort is on a hill overlooking the Arabian Gulf — the site of an ancient port, which was abandoned when the access channel silted up — but Bahrain’s financial and shopping areas are also visible from the top.

Bahrain Fort view

Bahrain Fort

We went in the late afternoon, but I think it would also be beautiful in the morning. Just make sure to bring lots of water, no matter what time you go.

Bahrain Fort

Bahrain Fort

After the fort, we headed down through the desert to the Tree of Life.

tree of life

tree of life

The roughly 400-year-old tree is normally all alone in the middle of nowhere, though we went around Christmas — right in the middle of Bahrain’s monthslong camping season. Because of that, we passed what seemed like miles of camps on the way there, and some of the camps were set up pretty close to the tree. There also were a ton of people there.

IMG_3133

tree of life

Still, a giant tree growing in the desert is a sight to see, and it’s even more beautiful at sunset.

tree of life

tree of life

My outfit details: Dress: Anthropologie (old, similar style here, here and here), Shoes: Sam Edelman, Earrings: Nordstrom (old, similar here and here), Bracelets: Purchased in Bahrain, Bag: J.Crew (old, similar here and here)
My mom’s: Dress: Lilly PulitzerShoes: Bucketfeet