Nizwa Travel Guide
Ancient Capital, Fort and Souqs
- Ratings:
- Be the first to rate this.
-
Reviews:
-
Be the first to write a review
Capital of Oman 1400 years ago when Islam was first founded Nizwa is an oasis-city famous for its legendary fort, markets and for being the gateway to both the Wahiba Sands to the south and the Jebel Akhdar mountains of the Hajar Range to the north. Whether you want to explore isolated villages, walk in the mountains, learn about the country’s cultural history or just visit its famous fort and shop in the bazaar, Nizwa has something for everybody.
Nizwa, the largest town in the interior, was capital of Oman in the 6th and 7th centuries. It’s most famous icon is the imposing fort built in the mid-17th century by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'aribi, whilst surrounding the town a huge palmerie stretches for 8 km and following the course of two wadis.
The town was a famous centre for Islamic learning and the city has a number of important mosques, such as Nizwa Mosque, heralded as a 'beacon of science' and the 2nd century So'al Mosque.
There are some 90 falaj in the area, the most important being the famous Falaj Daris and these maintain the town as an oasis in an arid area and enable the palmerie and gardens to flourish as well as supplying all domestic water.
Attractions in Nizwa
Nizwa Fort dominates the town and dates from 1668: a visit is unmissable. Nearby the medieval souq is hidden behind a new façade and provides a great shopping experience for every visitor. Along with the Nizwa Mosque there are several Sufu mosques to see both in town (where the graveyards are well worth a wander if you have time) and just outside, for example the Az al Qadim and Al Shawadhna mosques. Nizwa makes a great base from which to explore the Jebel Akhdar whether on foot or by 4WD and the associated attractions such as Al Hamra, Tanuf, Bahla and Manah etc.
Activities in Nizwa
Allow at least a couple of days to explore Nizwa and the surrounding areas
Relaxing
Explore the bazaar haggling for souvenirs and then retreat to a shady corner of the fort to sit and take in the history of this fabulous fort.
Getting Around
You should ideally have your own transport if intending to do the area justice, whether in the form of a self-drive vehicle or with a driver-guide: distances are too great to explore by public transport of which there is very little in any case. The town is small enough to explore on foot, however you may be staying outside of town in one of the hotels in which case the same advice applies.
Nizwa Reviews
Why not be the first and add your review below?