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Oman surprised me, and the ancient city of Nizwa was a part of the mystery. Situated on the plains of the Hajar Mountains, it is only a two-hour drive from Muscat. We enjoyed a long day trip, but in retrospect, we could have spent a Thursday night, thus allowing us to observe the Nizwa Oman Friday livestock markets in the morning.

What we did find was an oasis, a date palm forest in the middle of the desert. This former capital of Oman (sixth and seventh centuries AD) is also the home of the Nizwa Castle and Fort built in 1668. Its tower remains the largest round tower in Arabia at 45 meters in diameter. We also explored the old and new souqs (marketplace).

Nizwa Fort and Castle

Standing in the centre of the massive round Nizwa Fort tower it is easy to understand why this is the most visited national monument in Oman. Its tower remains the largest round tower in Arabia at 45 metres in diameter and 34 metres tall.

Nizwa Castle was built in the 9th century, and the Nizwa Fort portion added in the 17th century. There is great signage in multiple languages (including English) throughout the castle and fort that explain each room and area’s usage.

The largest round tower in Arabia is at the Nizwa Castle and Fort in Oman
Nizwa Castle and Fort’s round tower with one of the city’s many mosques in the background.
The Nizwa fort tower in Oman
This tower is huge. Notice, Sarah is standing on one of the steps.
Looking out at the city of Nizwa from the Nizwa Fort in Oman.
We can see the more modern portion of Niwza from the top of the tower.
A traditional water jug hanging in the Nizwa castle in Oman
A traditional water jug is hanging inside the Nizwa Castle.
Nizwa Fort in Oman
This hole is part of the security system. Guards poured boiling palm oil on unsuspecting intruders as they attempted to pass under it.
Interesting bathroom signs in Nizwa Oman
The male / female bathroom signs highlight traditional Omani formal wear. For men, this includes the Khanjar dagger.

Camel on the Side of the Road

Honestly, I don’t know if these camels are wild or belong to someone, but they are just wandering along the sides of the road. We don’t see them everywhere, but we did see camels as we drove between the old castles in Nizwa and Jabrin.

Camel seen on the side of the road near Nizwa Oman
A camel spotted on the side of the road as we travelled from one castle to the other.

Jabrin Castle

Our next stop was the more ornate Jabrin Castle built in 1675 as a summer residence for the sultan. (It is located in the nearby town of Jabrin.)

Jabrin Castle in Oman
Jabrin Castle was the Sultan’s summer residence.
Intricate ceiling in a room of Jabrin Castle in Oman
The intricate ceiling in a room of Jabrin Castle.
View of the Palm desert from Jabrin Castle in Oman
View of the palm desert from Jabrin Castle.

Bahla Fort

Bahla fort was built in the 13th and 14th centuries and is the only fort in Oman that has UNESCO World Heritage status.  Finding Bahla Fort is a bit more challenging, as it’s not well sign-posted, but it is worth the effort.

Bahla fort in Oman
We also visited Bahla Fort.

Old Nizwa Souq

More conservative than the Mutrah Souq in Muscat, it was recommended that we cover our shoulders, knees, and hair when we visited. In addition to a shopping area, it was also a gathering place for men. We saw groups of men sitting, talking, and often laughing amongst themselves. I was asked not to share photographs of these groups.

The old souq (marketplace) in Nizwa Oman.
The old souq offered an eclectic mix of the products.

Getting to Nizwa

  • It’s an easy two-hour drive from Muscat to Nizwa. If we went today, I am sure we would rent a car without any hesitation. However, when we visited Oman, we were new to long-term travel, and this was our first time in the Middle East. We opted to hire a guide.
  • We have successfully used Rentalcars.com in other parts of the world where we didn’t speak the local language. Using their online system, we select our criteria (size, options, etc) and are offered a list of cars from various local dealers. By booking directly through rentalcars.com, we have never paid more than going directly, we have great customer support, additional insurance options, and English speakers should we need assistance.

⇒ Click here to check the availability of rental cars in Oman

Tips for Visiting Nizwa

  • Nizwa is a  conservative town, and our guide recommended we adhere to the general guidelines for respectful clothing in Oman, which for women involves a minimum coverage of shoulders and knees.
  • Referred to as the ‘Pearl of Islam’, Nizwa is currently the country’s second-biggest tourist destination.
  • Nizwa was named the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2015 in the Arab region.
  • We got caught in a rare desert storm with flooding. 
  • Enjoy some of the sweet, succulent dates if you visit.

Next Stops: Omani Grand Canyon and Misfat Al Abriyeen

Where to Stay in Nizwa Oman

I wish we had spent the night. Our time was really rushed and would have been better spent had we slowed down a bit. I also wish we had planned to be in Nizwa on a Friday to see the livestock market, although I was glad we saw a similar livestock market in Rissani Morocco. We visited Nizwa as a day trip from Muscat where we stayed at the Tulip Inn Muscat, an accommodation that impressed us. It offered the comforts we like combined with an element of classic Omani culture. Noticing a Golden Tulip in Nizwa, that would be our first choice.

⇒ Click here to check pricing and availability at hotels in Nizwa Oman

Have you been to Nizwa, or anywhere in the Middle East?

Read more at  Entering Oman.

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Comments

  1. A fabulous gallery. The framed view of the palm desert from Jabrin castle is the star. Oman of all the countries in the gulf has always fascinated me the most.

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  2. I keep kicking myself each time I see an Oman post. When we visited UAE, we should have spent some time in Oman, but we didn’t and your trip sounds amazing. Now, I’m going to have to spend the money to get there again. Oh well. Live and learn.

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  3. The view from the palm desert is absolutely stunning and quickly took the first spot among your beautiful photos for me. How interesting that Nizwa was the capital of Islamic culture. This is one part of the world I still havent explored, but would love to!

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  5. What great pictures! Normally, when we think of castles, it’s Europe that comes to mind. This is a good reminder of the beauty and majesty of other lands and their castles! Great post, as always!

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  6. You’re killing me with these Oman posts haha! Nizwa looks fascinating and the Castle, Tower and Fort all are staggeringly impressive. I honestly have to figure out how to visit Oman this year, because it really is at the top of my list. I keep pinning your posts in that hope at least.

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  7. The Middle East has so much to offer, and I’m always especially drawn to the rustic ambience of these destinations. Loved the fort a lot. Never been to Oman, will definitely add Nizwa to my list.

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  8. The forts are splendid. And I cannot believe my eyes looking at all those photographs that this place is an Oasis. This can become a photographer’s paradise! A relatively unknown gem with a unique kind of beauty indeed.

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  10. Stunning photography as always Rhonda – I’ve heard from a few people recently that Oman was really surprising (in an excellent way!). Would love to get to Muscat at some point, and while there will be sure we make the two-hour drive to Nizwa 🙂

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  11. All your photos are wonderful but the one of the restroom sign – including the dagger – was so interesting! I’ve never seen anything like it!

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  12. Oman does look like an oasis. I didn’t realize how easy it is to get to from Muscat. Your photos of the fort came out great. I’m always impressed when people can capture nice shots without getting other people in them. I’ve been to the UAE multiple times but had to cancel a trip to Muscat this January. But hope to make it there later this year.

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  14. Thanks to all of the new airlines going through the region, visiting the different emirates is as simple as planning a long layover on your flight between Asia and Europe or Africa. We’ve done Quatar and UAE this way. Nizwa will have to be added on some future travel plans for us, it is so exotic. And who doesn’t love an Arabian desert fortress? #wkendtravelinspiration

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  16. I am interested in you describing Oman as one of the most interesting places you’ve visited. It is on my radar now. What took you to Oman – was it work related? I wonder if it is a safe place to visit nowdays?

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  17. Great post!!
    You mentioned in one of the earlier comments that you dressed differently. Did you just ‘cover up’ more with Western Dress or did you wear something more traditional during your stay there?

    – Lisa

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    • We travel extremely light, so it would be more covered up with layers. As we headed towards the interior the attitude was more conservative. It was recommended to us that the women in the family cover shoulders and knees. Our girls simply wore jeans long pants, it was a skirt for me, all with a t-shirt or similar. We also frequently wore head scarfs.

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  18. I’m loving your photos of Oman! I’ve been to a few places in the Middle East such as Iran and Jordan – I have been in awe of their massive medieval forts and castles – so much of history, and after so many centuries, these structures are still standing tall and strong, amazing, aren’t they?

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  19. I love posts like these because they open my mind and draw attention to parts of the world, I previously knew nothing of. Thank you for taking me on a journey this morning.

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  20. I haven’t been to the Middle East at all though I grew up with my step-father working in UAE and my husband has visited a friend in Bahrain. I have friends who have been to Oman and really enjoyed it. I am hoping to spend a few days in Dubai later this year on a stop-over so will have my first experience of the Middle East. Interestingly when we were in Bosnia – Mostar – earlier this year the influence of the Ottoman Empire was very evident and the market was (my husband said) like a souk with similar items on sale (lamps etc) #wkendtravelinspiration

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    • We found Dubai and Oman to be very different from each other. Dubai has a modernness to it, but more so in the attitude of the people. We were told that 80% of Dubai’s population are expats.

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  22. I haven’t been to Nizwa or anywhere else in the Middle East – I hope to visit one day. Your photos are stunning. I particularly like the photo of the palms from within the castle – excellent perspective.

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  24. Wow this is stunning, I would have never expected to see something this gorgeous in the country outside of malls and hotels. I would love to visit these types of historic treasures.

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  26. Wow, it looks like a place straight out of the history books that hasn’t changed a bit over the centuries. Definitely sounds like a great day trip to add for anyone visiting Oman.

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  34. What an interesting city and such a large, well preserved castle. I liked the ancient looking and intricate ceiling, and the beautiful view of the palm desert and distant mountains from the window. I can imagine the dates are so delicious, Rhonda. What a wonderful trip this was!

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    • Actually, public toilets are somewhat rare in Oman, it is a common complaint by tourists. These are a rare find, but I was so intrigued by the signs, I had to share them.

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  37. I love that photo from Jabrin Castle – what a spectacular view. I have never been to Oman but it’s great to know that there is so much to see and that it’s so easy to travel around. I have been to Israel and the dates there were good! Thanks for hosting #WkendTravelInspiration

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  38. Ah, Rhonda, your pictures of Nizwa Castle and Fort are so beautiful! You convinced me that I have to go visit Oman. If only all it would take to get there is convincing me… Well, maybe someday.

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  40. I have been surprised by your series about Oman! The country is gorgeous and this fort is not the exception. It will be a dream to visit more of the Middle East. #TPThursday

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  41. I haven’t been there and never will visit the Middle East. Okay, we aren’t travelers so won’t be leaving the U.S.

    I’m glad the surgery went well. Thanks for posting that on Facebook.

    Have a fabulous day. 🙂

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  43. I think the castles are faring really well considering how old they are. Nothing in Egypt fares so well. Did you hear about the Ramses head discovered recently? The gov’t was digging to put in sewer pipes. My husband say the area is right next to where his family lives, and he knows the place because for years a little old man would put his cart there and sell koshary (delicious street food). No one had any idea there was a statue under there. But seriously, in Egypt you can’t throw a stone without hitting statues or pottery or burial pyramids, etc. They’re everywhere.

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    • I can’t imagine living in a place where you dig for sewer pipes and turn up ancient artifacts! Sounds so cool, I really have to get to Egypt.

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    • Even if they are “everywhere” that is still quite cool that your hubby knows the spot and has been there. I think Oman is an older culture than Egypt, yet somehow they are better preserved.

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  45. Hi Rhonda – I can believe it was hot! Amazing and wonderful opportunity you took – and yes teaching your kids to adhere to local customs and ‘laws’ a necessity and so well worth setting examples as you both do .. to your own children, and no doubt others who share your journey. Nizwa and Jabrin must have been wonderful – such a pity you missed the market …

    Wonderful – thanks so much for sharing these excellent photos – do you know what the ceiling was made of or decorated with? Thanks! Cheers Hilary

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    • I am very proud of my girls and the culturally sensitive people they have grown up to become. As for the heat, yes it was HOT, but also unseasonably cool when we were there, so not too bad. Remember, I like hot weather. We did get to see a livestock market later on in Morocco. As for the ceiling, sorry, I have no idea.

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  46. Wow this was absolutely entertaining! I don’t know much about this region but every now and then I stumble upon beautiful things and save them! Wouldn’t mind going one day! #wkendtravelinspiration

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    • I didn’t know much about the region either until I started learning about six months before we left. Oman is an easy country to travel in, and we encountered so many welcoming and friendly people.

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    • I love your town! Do you still live there? I really hope I make it back to Oman someday. It is so beautiful.

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    • One of our goals is to gain a appreciation for other cultures, so it is a good opportunity. It is hot though.

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  52. Fact:
    Oasis- a spot of fertile land in a desert, supplied with water by a well or spring that reaches up from beneath the ground for a limited time of maybe 50- years

    I love the picture of Oasis. I just wonder this area is too big to be an oasis.

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  53. Thanks for sharing with us the beautiful place of Nizwa fort and tower… I know that my family will be happy to visit this place…

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  55. I never imagined an Oasis to be the size of a city. What a shame you can’t take photos of the older men as they would make wonderful subjects.

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    • I agree, but at least I have my memories. I know other people take the photos anyway, but we are trying to teach the children respect. (Plus I generally try not to break the rules, especially when out of my home country.)

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