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Nizwa
MOOD: CULTURE, NATURE
BUDGET: $
As Oman’s capital in the 6th and 7th century, Nizwa was the center of commerce, education and art. Its location at the base of Western Hajar Mountains linked inner Muscat with Dhofar. Although now overshadowed by its cosmopolitan neighbor, Muscat, it remains one of the most populous and prosperous areas in Oman.
A visit to Nizwa – “Pearl of Islam” – is a step back in time. The city feels smaller than it is, the people more conservative, the landscape is dusty and large expanses seem undeveloped. 140 km away (1.5-2 hour drive) from Muscat on a clean, paved highway, its multiple cultural attractions make for an easy and rewarding day trip.
A visit to Nizwa – “Pearl of Islam” – is a step back in time. The city feels smaller than it is, the people more conservative, the landscape is dusty and large expanses seem undeveloped. 140 km away (1.5-2 hour drive) from Muscat on a clean, paved highway, its multiple cultural attractions make for an easy and rewarding day trip.
ADDRESS
Nizwa, Oman
Nizwa, Oman
If time permits, detour into the Nizwa mountains to Jebel Shams, Oman’s tallest peak.
NIZWA FORT
Nizwa Fort, Oman’s most visited national monument, was built in 1668 by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya’rubi. The nominal entrance fee is worth paying to explore the compact fort. The fort feels surprisingly new due to the pristine upkeep and repairs.
Nizwa Fort, Oman’s most visited national monument, was built in 1668 by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya’rubi. The nominal entrance fee is worth paying to explore the compact fort. The fort feels surprisingly new due to the pristine upkeep and repairs.
ADDRESS
Nizwa Fort
HOURS
Sa-Th 08:00-16:00;
F 08:00-11:00
ADMISSION
Adults: 1 OMR; Children: 500 baisa
Nizwa Fort
HOURS
Sa-Th 08:00-16:00;
F 08:00-11:00
ADMISSION
Adults: 1 OMR; Children: 500 baisa
NIZWA SOUQ
Surrounding the Fort is a pretty souq. Dissimilar to Mutrah Souq in Muscat, Nizwa’s photogenic shops are hosted in dirt-colored low buildings and under canopies. Vendors sell a rainbow of handicrafts, pottery, leather goods, gold, fruits, meats and spices. Consider buying the silver jewelry and ornate daggers (Khanjar) the city is famous for.
Surrounding the Fort is a pretty souq. Dissimilar to Mutrah Souq in Muscat, Nizwa’s photogenic shops are hosted in dirt-colored low buildings and under canopies. Vendors sell a rainbow of handicrafts, pottery, leather goods, gold, fruits, meats and spices. Consider buying the silver jewelry and ornate daggers (Khanjar) the city is famous for.
Arrive by 7:30 am on Thursdays and Fridays to watch deals being made at the animated goat market next door.
FALAJ DARIS
UNESCO World Heritage Site Falaj Daris is the largest in Oman. It is an ancient system of diverting much needed water to the parched area, still in use, a true engineering marvel.
UNESCO World Heritage Site Falaj Daris is the largest in Oman. It is an ancient system of diverting much needed water to the parched area, still in use, a true engineering marvel.
ADDRESS
Falaj Daris
Falaj Daris