bahrainthismonth.com | NOVEMBER 2026 ITALY IN BAHRAIN 26 Bab Al Bahrain’s redesigned entrance draws inspiration from Roman city gates. Its arches and first-floor gallery bring elements of these historic gateways to the entrance of Manama Souq. Bab Al Bahrain has welcomed generations into the capital’s historic heart. Its position has long made it a recognisable landmark, but the façade visitors see today has evolved through successive renovations. When the building was completed in 1949, its entrance was relatively understated. The façade aligned with the rest of the structure, with only a slight rise above the roof parapet marking the gateway from a distance. Its significance came largely from its location between the city and the market. A second renovation in the 1980s gave the building a more pronounced presence. Decorative battlements appeared along the roofline, while redesigned arched windows gave it a more monumental appearance. Classical Connections For the latest redesign, the architect drew inspiration from the arches of Roman city gates. The resemblance lies in how the gateway stands out from the surrounding façade. The entrance projects forward and is arranged across three levels. Porta Portese in Rome offers a strong comparison, with its prominent central arch and crest positioned above it. Its association with a weekend market also provides a link to Bab Al Bahrain’s position at the entrance to Manama Souq. At Bab Al Bahrain, three arches define the composition, with a wider, taller central opening flanked by two smaller side openings. The design recalls the traditional gateway arrangement that separated carriage and horse traffic from pedestrians, combining access with a ceremonial entrance to the city. Above the entrance, an open first-floor gallery recalls the passages that once connected sections of a city wall. It adds depth to the building while extending the reference to historic gateways beyond the arches themselves. A National Symbol At the centre of the main arch sits the Bahraini emblem, cast in bronze and positioned where an arch’s keystone would normally be found. In a stone arch, the keystone locks the surrounding stones into place. Here, its position gives the national emblem a symbolic role, representing the strength and wisdom that support society. The choice of bronze also allows the crest’s details to be expressed more clearly. The redesign retains materials and finishes faithful to the building’s period and Bahraini tradition. A Roman Echo
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==