About
Nizwa Fort stands in the town of Nizwa, in the Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate of Oman, and is known locally and by visitors as Nizwa Castle. It is a large fort from the 17th century, and its distinctive circular tower has made it a symbol of the town.
The fort was built around 1650 by Imam Sultan bin Saif Al Ya'rubi. Its thick walls and tall round tower give a clear sense of the scale of the original structure, and walking through its rooms and up its levels shows how the building was used and defended over the centuries.
What a visit offers
- Architecture: the massive walls and the round tower, which is the feature most associated with the fort.
- Views: from the upper levels, panoramic views over the surrounding oasis and the town below.
- A sense of place: the fort is a landmark for Nizwa, so a visit gives a useful orientation to the town and its setting.
Around the fort
Nizwa is an oasis town in the interior of Oman, and the fort is an easy starting point for exploring its streets, palm groves and older quarters. Because the fort rises above the surrounding area, it works well as a first stop: you can see the layout of the oasis before heading out on foot.
If you are planning the trip, the fort's contact number is +968 25 431739. The fort is an attraction best suited to visitors interested in historic buildings, fortifications and views of an Omani oasis town.