Nizwa: the historic heart of Oman's interior

Nizwa, about 160 kilometres south-west of Muscat at the foot of the Hajar mountains, was Oman's capital for long periods of its history and remains the cultural capital of the interior. Its round fort tower, palm groves and souq make it the most visited town outside Muscat.

History

Nizwa was a seat of the Ibadi imams and a centre of learning from the early Islamic centuries, often called "the pearl of Islam". The great fort was built in the 17th century by Imam Sultan bin Saif Al Ya'rubi, the ruler who expelled the Portuguese from Muscat. Its massive round tower, filled with earth at the base and riddled with defensive traps above, took around twelve years to complete.

What to see

• Nizwa Fort, now a museum with views over the oasis.
• Nizwa Souq, rebuilt in traditional style, for silver, khanjars, pottery, dates and halwa.
• The Friday livestock market, held early on Friday mornings, where goats and cattle are auctioned in a ring.
• Falaj Daris, one of the aflaj irrigation channels inscribed by UNESCO.
• Birkat Al Mouz and Tanuf, abandoned mud villages on the road to the mountains.

Around Nizwa

Nizwa is the base for exploring the interior. Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Jabrin Castle are 30 to 45 minutes away. Jebel Akhdar, the "green mountain" famous for its terraces, roses and pomegranates, and Jebel Shams, Oman's highest peak with its spectacular canyon, are both reached by mountain roads (four-wheel drive is required for Jebel Akhdar). Al Hamra and Misfat Al Abriyeen are traditional villages perched on the slopes.

Living in Nizwa

Nizwa is a university town (University of Nizwa) with a strongly Omani character, conservative customs and a slower pace. Expatriates are mostly teachers, doctors and engineers. Rents are far lower than in Muscat, and the drive to the capital takes about an hour and a half on the expressway.

Property

Nizwa is not a designated area for foreign freehold ownership, and the nearby mountains of Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams are on the list of areas where foreigners cannot own. Visitors who love the interior typically buy in Muscat and keep Nizwa for weekends.

How R2LUX helps

Many of our clients want a base in Muscat within easy reach of the interior; Muscat Hills and Sultan Haitham City are less than 90 minutes from Nizwa. Three current homes are below.