Nizwa is one of the oldest cities in Oman and was once a center for trade, religion, education and art. Its Jama (great mosque) used to be a center for Islamic teachings. Nizwa obtained this position due to its strategic location near a number of date palms at the foot of the western Hajar Mountains and at the intersection of a number of roads between the interior and the coastal cities of Muscat and Dhofar. Due to this central position, a large part of the country could be reached from Nizwa. Now Nizwa is a historic town focused on date cultivation and furthermore serves as a (Friday) market town.

A beautiful old town to get lost in

In Nizwa, we did some sightseeing (we visited the Fort), had lunch and just strolled through the narrow streets.

Nizwa Fort

The Nizwa Fort was built around1650. Most of the fort was built over a 12-year period over an underground water stream. An important reminder of turbulent times in Oman's history, the fortress formed a mighty bulwark against destructive bands preying on the city's position. The fortress has a large round tower of 40 meters in diameter and 20 meters in height. After a restoration, the fortress was reopened in 2007. The former prisons and storage rooms are now used as a museum. It gives a picture of life in and around the fort through the ages.