ABOUT NIZWA

Attractions / Things to do while in Nizwa

Nizwa Fort

Nizwa Fort was built in the 1668 AD by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'rubi. It is Oman's most visited national monument. The fort was the administrative seat of authority for the presiding Imams and Walis in times of peace and conflict. The main bulk of the fort took about 12 years to complete and was built above an underground stream. The fort is a reminder of the town's significance through turbulent periods in Oman's long history. It was a formidable stronghold against raiding forces that desired Nizwa's abundant natural wealth and its strategic location at the crossroads of vital routes.

The Fort Timings are Sat to Thu 8am to 4pm and Friday 8am to 11am only

Nizwa Souq

It’s building embraces both traditional and modern architectural lines. The city, famous for its handicrafts and agricultural products, has an expansive souq with an array of products. Nizwa is renowned for its silver jewelry, which is considered to be the best in the country. The people of Nizwa are masters in Khanjar making, recognized for its distinctive style and patterns, and noted for silver craftsmanship in general. They also make copper ware, coffee pots, swords, leather goods and pottery.

The Souq is also a good source for antiques, including Maria Theresa thalers, once used as Oman's official currency. Vanilla, saffron, spices, dried lemons and nuts of all types are also good purchases, and can be found in the older section of the souq. This is also a good place to pick up some of Nizwa's prized dates.

Jebel Akhdar

Jebel Akhdar meaning "the Green Mountain", is part of the Al Hajar Mountains range in Oman, which extends about 300 km northwest to southeast, between 50-100 km inland from the Gulf of Oman coast. It is one of Oman’s most spectacular areas. The highest point, Jabal Shams (Mountain of the Sun), is around 3,000 metres (around 9,800 feet) high. It is the highest point in Oman and the whole of eastern Arabia. It comprises the central section of the Al Hajar Mountains range, and is located around 150 km from Muscat.

The area is about a 45-minute drive from Nizwa and is famous for its traditional rose water extraction and agricultural products including pomegranate, apricot, peach and walnut. In the area several important rock art sites, whose oldest figures date back to 6000 years ago, have been discovered and studied.

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