Eastern Province
Historical Site

Tarout Fort - Eastern Province

4.1Reviews

Description

Tarout Fort is a small historic castle located in the center of an island in Al Qatif, Saudi Arabia. The base of the castle dates back to 5000 BC. The island on which the Fort is located (Tarout Island) has a number of other historical sites as well.

History 

The castle was originally dedicated to the worship of the Mesopotamian goddesses. Some historians believe that the Fort was built in the 16th century during the Portuguese invasion of the Persian Gulf, where it served as their defense point. Later, once the Portuguese left, the castle was left in ruins. Many inscriptions have also been found in the castle, along with the Mesopotamian statues. 

Structure and Landscape

The Fort is located on a hill which is the highest point on the island. It had four conical-shaped towers; however, one of them was destroyed during a battle. The Fortification is surrounded by a wide wall that is made of gypsum, sea mud, and Fourosh rocks. The Fort is surrounded by palm trees, old preserved houses, and narrow streets. There is also a spring beside the castle named "Ayyin Aloudda" (the old spring), which was the main source of water for the people on the Island. At night, the structure is illuminated by the lights that have been installed around it.

Some diners are also located nearby on the island. The Tarout Fort opens in the evening for tourists, who can then freely roam around the castle and take pictures.

 

Destination Type
Historical Site
Landmark

Location

Tarout Fort, Tarout Saudi Arabia

Reviews

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Reviews
nadeem anwar

nadeem anwar

03/20/2022 03:53

Google review

600 years old fort , which is really a monument in Saudi Arabia. The construction method is really wonderful.
Yoram Barouch

Yoram Barouch

03/11/2022 15:36

Google review

Interesting, access only to part of the site. Free entrance for a short visit
M Herrmann

M Herrmann

12/31/2021 07:15

Google review

We visited the castle ruins on a Monday and it was closed. The locals told us it was closed on Sunday and Monday, so be sure not to try to visit on those days. It is one of the few ruins that we've heard about in the Eastern province so it seems fairly unique in that respect. There is a nearby "museum" that displays and sells personal antiques from a local who has collected things from the last 80 years or so. We arrived at 3 pm and the neighborhood didn't become active until 4-5pm. The mosque in front of the castle is photo-worthy.
Precious Times of Johannah

Precious Times of Johannah

07/20/2021 23:15

Google review

Old Castle
Dr Delfin Jr. Federico

Dr Delfin Jr. Federico

01/31/2021 09:02

Google review

The Tarout Castle is one of the places we have to visit while in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia specifically the Qatif City. Best time to visit from 3pm to before the sunset.
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