Nizwa Fort

Nizwa Fort (قلعة نزوى) is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Oman due to the fact that it is an amazing example of old Omani architecture that provides an illustration of the way Omani people used to live in ancient times. The oldest part of Nizwa Fort was originally constructed by imam Al Sult bin Malik Al Kharusi in the ninth century and was later renovated by imam Sultan bin Saif Al Yarubi in the 17th century. Imam Sultan bin Saif Al Yarubi is known as the imam responsible for removing the Portuguese from Oman.

Nizwa Fort is unique among other forts in Oman due to the cylindrical shape of its main tower which also happens to be the biggest to tower in a fort in Oman. Nizwa Fort has seven wells, a number of prisons, and prosecution ground. The main tower features many defence mechanisms Omanis used in the past such as pitfalls, honey traps, and gun shooting windows.

 

The fort also contains many exhibits and artefacts displayed in each of the rooms of the fort. There is also a nice gift shop and a permanent exhibition that illustrates the geographical history of Oman and many details about the history of Nizwa and how it used to be the capital of Oman at some point in time.

Nizwa Fort is probably the best destination to visit for anyone wishing to explore how Omani used to be like in the old times and is one examples of how life still remains somewhat unchanged in villages outside the capital. Nizwa is about an hour from Muscat and can be done as a day trip that includes a visit to Nizwa Souq, Misfat Al Abriyeen, or any of the many other destinations in the interior of Oman.