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While traveling around Oman, I recently had the chance to visit Nizwa Fort. I was extremely impressed with the architecture and history behind this fort, and decided that it was one of the most impressive monuments that I’ve seen in the Middle East. In this blog post, I’ll discuss how to get to Nizwa, the different areas to explore in both Nizwa Fort and Nizwa Castle, as well as tips for your journey. Read on!
Table of Contents
Where is Nizwa?
Nizwa is located in the northern part of Oman, located at the base of the Hajar Mountains. It serves as the capital of the Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate and is approximately 165 kilometers (103 miles) from Oman’s capital city, Muscat.
How to Get to Nizwa
Unfortunately, Nizwa does not have its own airport. There are a couple of different ways you can get to Nizwa.
Rental Car
If you are traveling to Oman, I highly recommend renting a car! Besides the lack of reliable public transportation, many of Oman’s attractions and cities worth visiting are spread out.
From Muscat, the drive to Nizwa is about 2 hours. Just be sure to drive below the speed limit of 120 km/hr! There are speed cameras everywhere.
Bus
If you would rather take the bus, you can take a Mwasalat Bus, Oman’s national bus line. Look for Route 54. A one-way ticket is 4.4 OMR ($11.50 USD), and a roundtrip ticket is 7.5 OMR ($19.50 USD).
Is Nizwa Worth Visiting?
Nizwa, which originally was the capital city of Oman, is a popular tourist destination today. You’ll find traditional markets, or souqs, amazing architecture, and historical buildings. Among these are the Nizwa Fort and Nizwa Castle.
Nizwa Fort
Nizwa Fort is located in the center of the city. It is the oldest and most famous fort in Oman. Built nearly 400 years ago by Imam Sultan bin Saif bin Malik Al-Yarubi, it took about 12 years to complete. Today, it is the largest circular tower in the Arabian Peninsula.
Nizwa Fort Opening Hours
Nizwa Fort is open for visitors from Saturdays to Thursdays from 8 am to 8 pm.
On Fridays, it is open from 8 am to 12 pm, and then from 12:45 pm to 8 pm.
Nizwa Fort Entry Fee
For adults, it costs 5 OMR (about $13 USD) to enter. For children, it costs 3 OMR (about $8 USD) to enter.
Nizwa Souq
Directly adjoining Nizwa Fort is the Nizwa Souq, a large, open-air market. This market is free to enter, and I highly recommend exploring it. You can find everything from textiles to livestock and silver to weapons here. You can also stop and get a refreshment before exploring the fort.
Courtyard of Nizwa Fort
As you pass through the entrance of Nizwa Fort, you will notice four cannons, several wells, and a stall explaining the day’s events. Depending on the day, there may be musical performances, handicraft demonstrations, or agricultural activities.
Cannons
The fort has four cannons. Two of them are located at the main entrance, and the other two are located at the entrance to the castle. These were acquired hundreds of years ago from trade with Portuguese, Swedish, British, and Ottoman merchants.
Wells
There are 17 wells located in the fort. This was the main source of water for the fort, and some continue to be used today. They were built within the walls of the fort so they could not be poisoned by enemies.
Museum
As you enter the Nizwa Castle, you will see that several rooms have been turned into a museum. There are several different exhibits here, with some explaining the history of the fort, and others showcasing the local economy.
Some of the more interesting exhibits include the date storage room and the jewelry that was worn hundreds of years ago. I especially enjoyed learning about the importance of indigo, how it was produced, and how its importance spread throughout the world.
Al Barza (Public Meeting Room)
While the Imam ruled the fort back in the 17th century, he often had important meetings to conduct. He met with tribal leaders, scholars, and judges in Al Barza, or the public meeting room. This room is filled with books, ornate pottery, and intricately designed cushions for a large amount of people.
This was my favorite room in Nizwa Castle. Just by walking inside it, you could feel how important this room was.
Defenses of the Fort
One of the most interesting things about Nizwa Fort was how well it was defended. Not only did it have a large tower for panoramic views of the area, as well as strong walls to protect it, the way that the fort was built made it nearly impenetrable by enemy forces.
If the enemy was ever able to breach the walls, they would have to come up the staircases. These staircases were engineered to be too narrow for siege weapons to be brought up them. In addition, there were small shafts in the ceilings, called “murder holes”, where defenders could pour boiling date juice on the enemy! Finally, there were also trap doors in front of certain staircases where the enemy would fall to their death.
Top of the Fort
Once you climb to the top of the fort, you will be treated to amazing views of the town of Nizwa and the surrounding area. The view from the top is nothing short of mesmerizing. There are several impressive mosques to check out, as well as the mountains in the distance. Due to the extensive irrigation systems in the region, there is also a sea of green trees surrounding the city. Just make sure to wear a hat and protect yourself from the sun while you are up there!
Castle Garden
After you finish admiring the views from the top of Nizwa Fort, head to the Castle Garden in the back. Here, you can learn about the ancient method of agriculture, check out the palm trees, and even see different animals.
I was really surprised to see one animal, the scimitar oryx, in the Castle Garden. Since 2000, this animal has been extinct in the wild! It is unknown how many are still alive, but they only live in captivity today.
Where to Stay in Nizwa
There are a few different options to choose from when deciding where to stay in Nizwa. What you choose will depend on your budget, desired level of luxury, and what kind of experiences you wish to have.
Low budget
If you visiting Nizwa on a budget, Nima Guest House is a great option. This guesthouse is located right in the center of town. You will only be a few minutes away from Nizwa Fort and Nizwa Souq. You can get a private room here for about $40 USD!
Medium budget
For travelers on a medium budget, I recommend staying at Omani Guest House. This hotel is only 300 meters from Nizwa Fort, making it a very walkable location. You can enjoy the garden, relax on your patio, and sit outside by the fireplace at night. They also offer breakfast and car rental services for your convenience.
High budget
If you truly want a luxurious experience, check out Mazarah Heritage Inn. This private home is located just a few minutes from the center of town. In addition to its great location, it also has a private indoor pool, a hot tub, and two bedrooms. This is a perfect place for a romantic getaway or family trip!
FAQs about Nizwa
1. When was Nizwa Castle built?
Construction on Nizwa Castle began in the late 8th century. It was expanded in the late 9th century, and again in the 17th century when Nizwa Fort was built.
2. Is there a student discount for the entry?
No, there is no student discount for entry to Nizwa Fort. Unlike other Middle Eastern monuments, you won’t be able to save a couple of bucks here.
3. What's the dress code for Nizwa Fort?
Dress conservatively! Do not wear shorts, and make sure that your shoulders are covered. Not only is this important to comply with local customs, but it will also protect you from the sun.
4. Is Nizwa Oman's most famous fort?
Yes, more people visit Nizwa Fort than any other monument in Oman.
