The entrance to Nizwa Fort with two old cannons placed on elevated platforms outside the white fortress walls.

Nizwa Fort

Nizwa Fort

Written by: Philip Eichkorn Last updated at: May 27, 2025

The Fort of Nizwa is definitely one of the most remarkable sights of the small town. The tower of the fort can be seen from afar. With a diameter of 45 meters and a height of 35 meters, it is not only the largest structure of the oasis of Nizwa, which it far surpasses, but it is also the mightiest tower in all of Oman. Similar to other castle and fortifications in the area, this tower was built under Sultan bin Saif bin Malik al-Ya´aruba in the mid-17th century. The construction of this impressive fortification took around twelve years. The residential complexes of the fort are significantly older and date back to the 9th century.

The original fort

In the first courtyard of the fort today, one can find a series of places to rest and soak in the atmosphere of this location. In addition to some small guard and storage rooms, there is an old well in the middle of the square and a café a little off to the side where one can spend wonderful hours. A small souvenir shop with some handicraft items must also not be missing at such a place.

Most impressive remains the tower

Inside the tower today, one finds a small museum, whose exhibition rooms are sorted by theme. In the courtyard of the tower, which is actually nothing more than a winding staircase with various doors and branches leading upwards, one can still recognize many defensive constructions of the builders. There are spots where intruders attempting to climb to the top of the tower could be doused with hot date syrup. Upon reaching the plateau of the tower, one finds not only a great view but also wells, a mosque, and cannons, with which one could take the entire surrounding area under fire through the holes in the wall around the plateau.

Opening hours:

Saturday - Thursday 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Admission fee: 5 OMR. - about 12 €

Discover Oman with experts who have called it their home

Your dream holiday, tailor-made by experts.

We don't just know Oman from books, we visit the country several times a year to experience the culture, landscape and people first-hand.

From your first enquiry to your return home, we are there for you personally - by phone, email or WhatsApp, whenever you need us. Our trips are as unique as you are: individually planned and provided with exclusive privileges and high-quality arrangements that will make your trip unforgettable.

You might also like this

A black case containing a silver engraved gun with a curved blade, possibly a ceremonial or decorative weapon.

Traditional manufacture of a Khanjar

2 min read

A Khanjar is a traditional ceremonial dagger, as still worn in Oman today. Originally, the dagger, whose blade is shaped like a J or a hook, was intended as a weapon for attack or defense, but today it is more of a ceremonial garment and a status symbol. Materials used The art of weapon smithing was highly perfected in the Arab countries during the Middle Ages. Just think of famous swords like the Damascus or other masterpieces of sword and dagger craftsmanship, and it quickly becomes clear that Arab master blacksmiths have made weapons like a Khanjar into one thing – a work of art. It also ...

The Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Muscat, Oman, with its grand dome and minarets, surrounded by colorful flower beds.

Top Attractions in Oman

10 min read

Oman, the land of endless deserts and picturesque coastlines, captivates travelers with a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. Whether you're eager to immerse yourself in the Sultanate's rich culture, be enchanted by its natural beauty, or explore historic landmarks, Oman's attractions promise a variety of unforgettable experiences. In this article, we introduce you to five of the most impressive places you must experience during your trip to Oman....

An older man with a white beard, wearing traditional Omani attire and a cap, sitting against a textured wall with a pillow behind him in a market.

Life Expectancy in Oman

2 min read

In the Arab world, the life expectancy of people is usually not comparable to that of Western Europe or North America. There are various reasons for this. However, in Oman, life expectancy has come remarkably close to that of the Western world in recent decades. In 2015, it was 76 years – the average of both genders. Comparing life expectancy to just about 30 years earlier, it was only 41 years. A change as striking and rapid as the overall development of the Sultanate on the Persian Gulf. Why has life expectancy improved? There are several answers to this. The simplest is: The government of...