Plizio Visual Lab
Saar Settlement
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
ruin
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Saar Settlement is an exceptionally well-preserved urban settlement from the early Dilmun period (c. 2100-1800 BC). The site was excavated by a British archaeological team in the 1990s and provides a detailed glimpse into the urban life of the Dilmun culture. The settlement is laid out in a clear grid pattern, with a main street flanked by residential houses, workshops, and a central temple. The houses share a uniform L-shaped design with a courtyard, suggesting a planned community. The temple, located at the end of the main street, was likely the focus of the settlement's religious life. The artifacts found here, including pottery, beads, and tools, testify to an organized society with trade links to other regions. The Saar Settlement is unique for preserving an almost complete urban plan from the Bronze Age, showcasing the daily life of this ancient civilization.
- Location: Bahrain
- Top sights: Saar Archeological Site · Dilmun Temple · Saar UNESCO Archaeological Site
- Nearby: Karrana (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
The Saar Settlement can be explored as an open-air archaeological site, allowing visitors to walk among the ancient foundations and experience the clear, well-preserved street grid of the Dilmun culture.
Typical hours
The ruins are typically accessible during standard daytime hours throughout the week, though it is highly advisable to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense midday heat and harsh sun.
Photography
Photography is widely permitted across the site, and the ancient stone structures against the open sky provide excellent subjects. The shifting shadows during the golden hour particularly emphasize the geometric street grid.
Time needed
You should generally allocate about one to two hours to fully appreciate the extensive settlement layout, understand the historical context of the Dilmun era, and take your time walking through the ancient, interconnected alleys.
Combine with
This historical excursion can be well combined with a visit to the nearby Saar Temple or other ancient burial mounds in the region, which together provide a much broader understanding of the region's rich archaeological heritage.
Getting there
The settlement is usually best reached by taxi or a rented car from the capital, as public transport options to this specific archaeological zone might be limited. Look for road signs indicating historical and heritage sites.
Insider tip
Be sure to wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes due to the uneven, sandy terrain around the excavations, and always bring plenty of your own drinking water, as nearby facilities and shaded resting areas are typically very sparse.
Geography
Facts
- Well-preserved settlement of the early Dilmun period.
- Dated to c. 2100-1800 BC.
- Shows a clear urban grid plan.
- Uniform houses with an L-shaped layout.
- A central temple was the religious center.
- Excavated in the 1990s by British archaeologists.
- Finds prove trade and an organized society.
- Provides insight into the daily life of the Dilmun culture.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Saar Settlement (4)
Saar Burial Mounds
Saar Burial Mounds, an archaeological site with Dilmun-era tumuli.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What can you see at the Saar Settlement?
The well-preserved foundations of a village from the Dilmun period.
Is there a temple there?
Yes, the settlement also contains the ruins of a small temple.
How do you find the site?
It is located in the modern residential area of Saar, often somewhat hidden.
When is a visit recommended?
In the cooler months from November to March.
Is there an entrance fee?
Usually, access is free.
Saar Settlement: where is it located?
Saar Settlement is located in Bahrain.
Saar Settlement: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saar Archeological Site, Dilmun Temple, Saar UNESCO Archaeological Site.
Saar Settlement: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Dec.
Saar Settlement: why is it worth visiting?
The Saar Settlement is an exceptionally well-preserved urban settlement from the early Dilmun period (c.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Bahrain →
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.
Salmabad
An important industrial and residential area in the center of the country.
A'ali
Known for its ancient burial mounds and traditional pottery.
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.
King Fahd Causeway
A 25-kilometer series of bridges and causeways connecting the Kingdom of Bahrain with Saudi Arabia.
Qal'at al-Bahrain
An archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage site, representing the ancient capital of the Dilmun empire.
More places
Saar Park
A green community park in the upscale residential area of Saar, popular with expats and locals.
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.
Diraz Park
A local park in northwestern Bahrain, surrounded by traditional villages and palm trees.
Barbar Temple
An archaeological complex with three temples built on top of each other from the Dilmun period, dedicated to the god Enki.
Ain Raya Park
A historic park built around an old freshwater spring, honoring the history of Bahrain's water supply.
Dilmun Burial Mounds
One of the largest prehistoric burial sites in the world with tens of thousands of mounds.
Al Jasra House
The birthplace of the former Emir Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, a traditional mansion.