Nizwa is a city located about 140 kilometres from Muscat, the capital of Oman. It is one of Oman’s oldest cities and is home to a number of fascinating historic buildings. Formerly a hub for commerce, art and education, the city is currently one of the most popular tourist destinations within the Middle Eastern country. Travellers interested in learning more about Omani history and culture will greatly enjoy visiting this ancient city.
There are quite a few interesting attractions in Nizwa but the most well-known is the Nizwa Fort. The fort that can be seen now was constructed during the 1650s, although the underlying structure is much older- dating to the twelfth century. It was built by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya’rubi and took about twelve years to finish. The historic fort’s design reflects the architectural styles of the day. The main structure is a massive tower that rises thirty metres into the sky. The walls are very strong, designed to withstand mortar attacks, and the doors are very thick. There are four cannons found at the top of the tower.
The fort’s interior is filled with hidden shafts, false doors and stairways that lead nowhere. In its time the fort was a formidable structure, helping to defend the city against outsiders who coveted the city’s natural resources. It now stands as a reminder of Oman’s turbulent past. Despite all the time that has gone by, the fort is in a remarkable state of preservation and visitors are sure to enjoy visiting it.
Muscat is the capital of Oman and one of the widely visited cities in the country. It is warm and humid throughout the year, although the summer months are particularly warm. The city has quite a few interesting attractions, both natural and manmade. Places to visit when in Muscat include the Wadi Shab, the Nakhal Fort, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace.
Tourists looking for an Oman Muscat hotel can try the Millennium Resort Mussanah. The Muscat hotel is situated by the coast and offers guests stunning views of the sea. It comes complete with all the latest modern amenities and is a great place to stay.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
