Every place in the world has several historical and tourist attractions. For a middle eastern country like Oman, it’s the forts. Nestled in the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman offers a glimpse of its rich beauty and history through it beaches, ancient forts, lush green mountains and wildlife.
So, besides visiting all the bazaars or souks, people should put the forts in Oman on their list of places to explore. Isn’t it exciting? Traveling to a country just to explore its rich history and much more? So, what are you waiting for?
Top 8 Forts in Oman: Natural Beauty and Authentic Arabian Culture
Known for its great historical wealth, tourists from around the world are attracted to the forts in Oman, which include Al Jalali Fort, Al Mirani Fort, Bahla fort and Nizwa fort. Tourists should visit the forts for their historical and cultural significance and for the breathtaking sights they offer.
With so much tucked away in every corner of the country, people should ensure Oman is on their bucket list of places to explore. So, what are you waiting for? Explore the forts for their unique architecture and much more. It is a once in a life time opportunity that should not be missed.
- Al Mirani Fort
- Bahla Fort
- Sohar Fort
- Nizwa Fort
- Al Jalali Fort
- Al Hazm Fort
- As Sulaif Fort
- Mutrah Fort
1. Al Mirani Fort
Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Al Mirani Fort is found nestled in Old Muscat, overlooking the Sea of Oman. As it commands a stunning view of the rocky hills, the fort was named “mirante”, a Portuguese word meaning “Admiral”. The fort is also known as Al Gharbiya Fort. The fort is an important symbol of the downfall of the Portuguese. Tourists visiting the fort will see several war tools on display.
This Oman fort is not like any other seen around the world. It is one of the most fascinating places to explore in the middle east.
Location: Muscat, Oman
Entry Fee: Free
2. Bahla Fort
One of the many things tourists are often awestruck by mud-brick walls of Bahla Fort and the sculpted prayer niche of the Friday Mosque dominating the surrounding mud brick settlement and palm grove. This famous fort in Oman owes its success to the Banu Nebhan tribe, who governed the Omani region. Bahla was the capital between the 12th to the 15th century.
The fort is the ideal example of an oasis settlement, that goes back to the medieval Islamic period, showcasing the water engineering skills. So, when are you planning to visit the fort? Make a plan soon and enjoy the ideal tour of one of the most stunning places in the world.
Location: 21, Bahla, Oman
Entry Fee: 500 Baisa
Suggested Read: Honeymoon in Oman: Why To Plan Your Romantic Holiday In This Exotic Middle Eastern Destination
3. Sohar Fort
Have you visited any of the forts in Oman? If you haven’t then what are you waiting for? One of the best places to visit in Oman is the Sohar Fort, known for its ideal location and the role it’s played over the years. The fort is as old as the 13th century and the 14th century. The fort is not like any other as the color of the mud bricks is similar to the desert sands. The walls and crenellations are white in color.
It is one of the most important landmarks in the middle east people should visit at least once while on holiday.
Location: Sohar, Oman
Entry Fee: 500 Baisa for Adults, 600 Baisa for Children over 6 years.
4. Nizwa Fort
One of the most visited and famous places visited all year round, Nizwa Fort was built in close to an old mosque by Imam Salt bin Malik Al Kharusi. The fort is known for its high defensive wall with gun spots and a small lane for soldiers.
The walls of the fort have information about the influence and importance of the place in Oman. Tourists visiting the fort will probably get to see the locals bring in their herds of sheep, goats and camels. Besides visiting the fort, one of the many things to do in Muscat is to visit the souq close by. So? The next question to ask is when are you going to see the fort?
Location: Nizwa, Oman
Entry Fee: Adults: 2 OMR, Children: 1 OMR
Suggested Read: Islands In Oman: Discover Their Scenic And Divine Beauty
5. Al Jalali Fort
Known as Ash Sharqiya Fort, the Al Jalali fort was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese. Did you know it was a prison once upon a time which was changed into a private heritage museum? Tourists are offered a stunning view of the entire city of Muscat. When it comes to going inside one of the best forts in Oman, one will have to climb up a steep flight of stairs and can only enter with a permit, which is gotten online.
Did you know bagpipers are often invited for various military occasions at the fort? It is true. People can even enjoy fireworks at night, which is one of the many things to do in Oman.
Location: Al Bahri Rd, Muscat, Oman
Entry Fee: You can get in touch with the authorities and inquire about the entry fee
6. Al Hazm Fort
One of the most ideal forts in Muscat, Oman was renovated by the Ministry of Tourism years ago and has been open to the public with modern electronic guides. It was built back in the 18th century during the end of the reign of Al- Yarubi tribe.
It was one of the many places to go in Muscat to get a glimpse of the Islamic architecture. Did you know the fort has a prison, mosque and a classroom? It does along with a falaj that runs below the castle. It offers water to the date trees and other agricultural treasures in the area. So, what more can anyone ask for when it comes to visiting forts like this?
Location: Oman
Entry Fee: Adults is 0.5 OMR and kids enter for free
Suggested Read: Beaches In Oman: For The Perfect Middle Eastern Beach Holiday
7. As Sulaif Fort
Nestled in the state of Ibri, As Sulaif fort was built by Al Emam Sultan Bin Saif Al Yarubi. The fort is home to several buildings, surrounded by walls with towers, mosques and falaj. It is one of the many forts to visit in Oman known for its unique geological formation of limestone.
Nestled on the southern edge of the eastern corridor of the oasis, the fort appeared as a defensive position that controls the corridor going to Ibra. It is one of the most unique forts people should put on their bucket list of places to visit.
Location: Ibri, Oman
Entry Fee: Get in touch with the concerned authorities
8. Mutrah Fort
The Mutrah Fort was built in the middle of the 16th century by the Portuguese as military fortification. It still has some of the war structures and weapons. Tourists from around the world are fascinated and often come to see it just for the weapons.
The fort is the one place hikers will enjoy. So, what else can you expect with such stunning beauty waiting to be explored? Go ahead and enjoy the beauty of the fort, which is not like any other one would have seen anywhere else in the world.
Location: Al Bahri Rd, Muscat, Oman
Entry Fee: 0.5 Rial Omani for adults
Home to some of the most stunning attractions, Oman is one of the most stunning places to visit in the middle east. Speaking of attractions, one of the many places people should visit is the forts in Oman. The forts portray a rich history and culture people will get a glimpse of. This will be a vacation like no other. What more can anyone ask for?
So, if you haven’t been yet, you should avail the Oman holiday package and have the best time of your life. Pack those bags and book your flight tickets right away. It is a holiday you will remember for a long time to come.
Forts in Oman - FAQs
Al Mirani Fort, Bahla Fort, Sohar Fort, Nizwa Fort, Al Jalali Fort are some of the forts people should explore in Oman.
October and April are the ideal months to visit Oman as the temperatures are pleasant. Tourists can explore some of the attractions like the forts, mosques and souq in Oman.
Tourists should spend at least 10 days in Oman, exploring every corner of the country including the mountains and deserts.
8:30 am- 4 pm are the timings of Al Jalali Fort. The fort was constructed by the Portuguese during the 16th century. It is an ideal fort that one should put on their list of places to explore.
The Bahla fort is the biggest fort in Oman that was once governed by the Nabhani dynasty for over 500 years. It is the perfect example of the oasis settlement that dates back to the medieval Islamic period.
The fort was built by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'rubi in the 1650s. It is one of the most visited forts in Oman by tourists from around the world.
Oman is one of the safest and most friendly countries to visit at least once a year. It is home to some of the most stunning attractions in the world.
Oman is known for its mosques, forts, malls and restaurants. It is one of the most stunning places to visit.
