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Isolated by the Hajar Mountains from the coast and the outside influences brought to the coastal cities through trade and conquest, Nizwa developed as a bastion of conservatism.
A thorn in the side of many who tried to unify and rule the country, the town is dominated by its principal form of defense, the massive Nizwa fort, a circular structure some 35 meters high and with a diameter of 46 meters.
The narrow, winding staircase to the fighting platform is protected at numerous intervals by slots in the roof, through which boiling date syrup could be poured on would-be attackers. All these factors combined to render the fort practically unassailable.
Nizwa souq
Under the shadow of the fort is Nizwa souq, an ancient market now housed in a modern arcade built exactingly to traditional design. As well as jewelry, muskets and khunjars (traditional curved knives worn by men) there is a wonderful Friday auction.
Locals come to parade their livestock for sale to the highest bidder in a lively swirl of elegant white-clothed men and black-coated women with colorful headdresses — and some anxious cows and goats!
Around Nizwa
North of Nizwa is Jabreen, arguably the best fort to visit in the country. It has been superbly well restored and stocked with period artifacts to give a good idea what life must have been like for the original inhabitants.
Its prize attractions are the painted ceilings, which are some of the best executed examples of this decorative art in Oman. South of Nizwa is Bahla, a massive fort and defensive complex around a palm plantation.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its vast earthen brick walls tower 50 m above the surrounding village, and because it has never undergone major restoration it tells us a lot about ancient building techniques.
Bahla is still famous for the quality of its pottery and there are places to buy some if you wish.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Nizwa by contacting one of our Oman specialists
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617-223-4521617-223-4755
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Suggested itineraries featuring Nizwa
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Nizwa, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Nizwa
- Jebel Akhdar 30 miles away
- The Batinah Plain 60 miles away
- Muscat 80 miles away
- The Wahiba Sands 101 miles away
- Sur 129 miles away
- Ras Al Jinz 151 miles away
- The Musandam Peninsula 229 miles away
Photos of Nizwa
Accommodation choices for Nizwa
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Nizwa. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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The Golden Tulip
Nizwa -
The View
Nizwa
Ideas for experiencing Nizwa
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Nizwa, and which use the best local guides.
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Mountains & Forts Tour Mountains & Forts Tour
Mountains & Forts Tour
This tour takes in the best sights of the interior of the country: the town of Nizwa, the fort of Jabreen, the mountain villages of Misfah and Al Hamra and the spectacular Wadi Nakheer cutting deep into Jebel Shams, the highest mountain in Oman.
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