Nakhal Fort - Castle in Nakhal

Nakhal Fort

One of the most magnificent forts in Oman and one of the most popular ones to visit after Nizwa Fort and Jabrin Castle. The exact date in which this ancient fort was built is unknown, but many believe that it was built in pre-Islamic times, i.e. more than 1500 years ago. The fort is located in Nakhal, a palm oasis about 120 KM away from Muscat.

Nakhal Fort has been expanded and renovated by many of the rulers of Oman throughout history, the oldest record of improvement to the fort is during the time of Imam Salt bin Malik Al Kharusi in the 9th century, it was later expanded during the reign of other Omani tribes such as the Yahmadi tribe, the Nabhani tribe, and the Yarubi tribe. The outer walls and the main gate were added in the 19th century by Sultan Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi. The fort was renovated to its current form in the year 1990 by Sultan Qaboos. Strangely, unlike many other cities with significant forts such as Bahla, Nizwa, Rustaq and Sohar, Nakhal was never used as the capital from which the Imam or Sultan ruled the country.