Al Khamis Mosque

Manama


This might just be the oldest mosque in Bahrain. It is believed a mosque has stood here since the 8th century, though the current ruins, which include two beautifully restored, climbable minarets, date from the 12th and 13th centuries. The site is particularly evocative when lit up at night. The mosque's name comes from the Thursday market that was held here for centuries. Black-and-white pictures depicting this make up the excellent exhibit in the visitors centre.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Manama attractions

1. Sheikh Hussain Mosque

1.11 MILES

There are mosques aplenty in Bahrain, but this tiny, perfectly formed Shia mosque has a wonderfully unusual curved design, providing a modern take on the…

2. Fish Market

1.73 MILES

Bahrain's main fish market kicks off even before the dawn call to prayer, when Manama's fishermen bring their fresh haul into this functional, white tile…

3. Manama Central Market

1.77 MILES

Malls have conquered Manama in a big way, but the antidote lies in this earthy vestige of Old Bahrain, located off Lulu Ave. Fruit and veg dominates the…

4. Manama Craft Centre

2.13 MILES

Home to a variety of showrooms and workshops, this centre promotes the revival of traditional Bahraini crafts, such as weaving, palm-leaf paper making,…

5. Adliya Mosque

2.27 MILES

This mosque, with squat onion domes resting on smooth lines and accentuated curves combining with more traditional local features, has a slightly art deco…

6. Little India

2.33 MILES

Close your eyes in this little corner of Manama's historic souq and you would be forgiven for thinking you were in downtown Delhi. The lingua franca is…

7. Jai Shri Khrishna Temple

2.34 MILES

This 200-year-old Hindu temple is the oldest in the Gulf and a testimony to Bahrain's ancient Indian community. Situated down a narrow alley in the heart…

8. Bab Al Bahrain

2.39 MILES

This handsome twin-arched gate is a fitting entrance to Manama Souq. Built by Sir Charles Dalrymple Belgrave, British adviser to the royals, in 1949, the …