Nizwa Fort: the great round tower of Oman's interior

Nizwa Fort is the symbol of Oman's interior. Its massive round tower was built in the 17th century under Imam Sultan bin Saif Al Ya'rubi, who expelled the Portuguese from Muscat, and took around twelve years to complete.

What to see

• The round tower, filled with earth at its base for strength, with a winding staircase protected by trapdoors, false doors and murder holes for boiling date syrup.
• Views from the top over the oasis, the Friday mosque's blue dome and the mountains.
• Museum rooms showing Omani history, weapons, crafts and daily life, often with live demonstrations of coffee-making and crafts.

Practical information

The fort is next to Nizwa Souq, about an hour and a half from Muscat. It opens daily with shorter hours on Fridays; check current times and ticket prices before visiting.

Tips

• Visit early on a Friday to see the livestock market first.
• Combine with Bahla Fort and Jabrin Castle on the same day.
• Wear comfortable shoes for the steep stairs.

Staying near and owning a home

Most visitors explore Oman from a base in Muscat. If you are thinking of buying, R2LUX sells homes in the communities where foreigners can own; three current listings are below.