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Dilmun Burial Mounds
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The Dilmun Burial Mounds are one of the largest and oldest prehistoric necropolises in the world. This archaeological site, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, consists of tens of thousands of burial mounds scattered across the landscape of Bahrain. The mounds date back to the Dilmun culture, from between 2200 and 1750 BC. Their size and complexity vary significantly, reflecting the social hierarchy of the time. Some of the largest mounds, known as 'royal tombs', are located near the village of A'ali. Each mound was constructed from local stone and contains a central burial chamber where the deceased were interred with grave goods such as pottery, tools, and jewelry. This site provides a unique insight into the burial rites and social structures of one of the most important Bronze Age civilizations in the Persian Gulf.
- Location: Bahrain
- Top sights: Royal Mound 15 · Madinat Hamad 1 Burial Mound Field · A'ali Burial Mounds
- Nearby: Riffa (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 18 | 18 | 21 | 25 | 30 | 33 | 35 | 35 | 34 | 30 | 25 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 7 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 8 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
These vast prehistoric fields are generally open for exterior viewing, allowing visitors to walk freely among the ancient mounds. It is mostly an outdoor experience where you can explore the remarkable landscape at your own pace.
Typical hours
The archaeological areas are typically accessible during daylight hours, as there is usually no artificial lighting for night visits. It is highly recommended to plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun.
Photography
Photography is widely permitted across the expansive burial grounds, offering fantastic opportunities to capture the sheer scale of the landscape. Golden hour provides the most striking shadows and contrasts for your wide-angle landscape shots.
Time needed
Most travelers spend around one to two hours wandering through the concentrated areas of the mounds to fully appreciate the historical significance. If you plan to read all the informational plaques, allow slightly more time for your visit.
Combine with
Combine this historical excursion with a trip to the Bahrain National Museum, where many of the artifacts excavated from these very tombs are displayed. Other nearby ruins can also easily be integrated into a full-day history itinerary.
Getting there
The mounds are spread out, but the main viewing areas are easily reachable by taxi or rental car from Manama using major highways. Having your own vehicle is often the most practical and flexible way to navigate the different mound clusters.
Insider tip
Wear sturdy, enclosed walking shoes as the terrain around the mounds can be quite uneven, rocky, and dusty during dry seasons. Also, do not forget to bring a hat and plenty of drinking water, as natural shade is essentially nonexistent here.
Geography
Facts
- UNESCO World Heritage site since 2019.
- Dates from the Dilmun culture (2200-1750 BC).
- One of the largest prehistoric cemeteries in the world.
- Tens of thousands of burial mounds, some known as 'royal tombs'.
- The mounds contain central burial chambers.
- Grave goods include pottery, weapons, and jewelry.
- Reflect the social structure of Dilmun society.
- The largest tombs are found in A'ali.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Dilmun Burial Mounds (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are the Dilmun Burial Mounds?
Thousands of ancient burial mounds scattered across the island.
Are they part of the World Heritage?
Yes, they were added to the UNESCO list in 2019.
Where can you find the most mounds?
Particularly impressive fields are located near A'ali.
Can you see the mounds from inside?
Most are closed, but some chambers are replicated in the National Museum.
How old are the mounds?
They were created between 2050 and 1750 BCE.
Dilmun Burial Mounds: where is it located?
Dilmun Burial Mounds is located in Bahrain.
Dilmun Burial Mounds: what is there to see?
Highlights include Royal Mound 15, Madinat Hamad 1 Burial Mound Field, A'ali Burial Mounds.
Dilmun Burial Mounds: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Dec.
Dilmun Burial Mounds: why is it worth visiting?
The Dilmun Burial Mounds are one of the largest and oldest prehistoric necropolises in the world.
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Nearby cities
Hamad Town
A planned city built in the 1980s, named after King Hamad.
Al Malkiya
One of the largest villages on the west coast of Bahrain with an active fishing port.
Karrana
A northwestern village known for its palm groves and agricultural history.
A'ali
Known for its ancient burial mounds and traditional pottery.
Salmabad
An important industrial and residential area in the center of the country.
Saar
An upscale neighborhood with archaeological remains from the Dilmun period.
Barbar
Houses the ancient Barbar Temple, one of the most important excavation sites in the region.
Diraz
Known for its archaeological sites, including the famous Diraz Temple.
Bani Jamra
Famous for its traditional weaving craft and village community.
Budaiya
Coastal town known for its fertile gardens and farmers' market.
History & landmarks
Royal Camel Farm
A working farm housing hundreds of camels owned by the royal family, offering visitors an up-close experience.
Qal'at al-Bahrain
An archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage site, representing the ancient capital of the Dilmun empire.
King Fahd Causeway
A 25-kilometer series of bridges and causeways connecting the Kingdom of Bahrain with Saudi Arabia.
More places
A'ali Burial Mounds
A massive field of ancient burial mounds stretching for several kilometers in the village of A'ali.
Saar Park
A green community park in the upscale residential area of Saar, popular with expats and locals.
Saar Settlement
A well-preserved early historical settlement of the Dilmun culture with a clear street grid.
Al Khamis Mosque
One of the oldest Islamic structures in the region, famous for its twin minarets.
Bahrain Fort
Former capital of the Dilmun culture and a 16th-century Portuguese fort.
Barbar Temple
An archaeological complex with three temples built on top of each other from the Dilmun period, dedicated to the god Enki.
Ain Umm Sujoor
An old spring in the village of Diraz, used as a sacred site during the Dilmun period.
Diraz Temple
An ancient site in northwest Bahrain characterized by massive cylindrical columns.