Built as a fort during the reign of the Persian Safavid Empire of Iran over Bahrain during the 17th century, the fort was converted into a residence in the 18th century for Sh.Salman Bin Ahmed ( al fateh) Al Khalifa, in 1812, Riffa Fort or (Arabic: قلعة الرفاع; transliterated: Qal'at ar-Rifa') it is now named ( Sh.Salman bin Ahmed Fort), in the Kingdom of Bahrain offers a splendid view across the Hunanaiya valley. With Riffa being home to the seat of government until 1869, this fort was strategically important in at the time.
Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, the present Amir's great great-grandfather, ruled Bahrain from 1869 to 1932. His house in Muharraq provides a glimpse of royal life in the 19th century, complete with architecture and wall carvings belonging to that era. It is also one of the best places to feel the effects of the wind tower.