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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 defense 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.

Nizwa Fort is unlike other Castles and Forts in Oman in that it is not run by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, instead it is managed by a local tourism company. Nizwa Fort is open for visitors from Saturdays to Thursdays from 8:00am to 6:00pm, and Fridays from 8am to 11:30am, and then from 1:30pm to 6:00pm. Entry fee is 5 Rial Omani for adults, and 3 Rial Omani for children above the age of 6 years.

How to get to Nizwa Fort

5 replies on “Nizwa Fort”

Like all forts open to the public, Nizwa fort is open 9am to 4pm Saturday to Thursday, and 9am to 11am on Friday. The souq also has a special live auctions on early Friday mornings.

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