IDMC Travel

Exploring Nizwa, Oman

Is the largest city in the Ad Dakhiliyah Region in Oman and was the capital of Oman in the 8th and 12th centuries AD. Nizwa is about 140 km (1.5 hours) from Muscat. Nizwa is one of the oldest cities in Oman and it was once a center of trade, religion, education and art.

Nizwa acquired its importance because it has been an important meeting point at the base of the Western Hajr Mountains. Set amid a verdant spread of date palms,

Nizwa has become a more modern city since 1970 under the reign of the late Sultan Qaboos. Improvements include connections to Muscat via a two-lane highway, which has increased tourism. Communications have been improved to include broadband access.

It is strategically located at the crossroads of routes linking the interior with Muscat and the lower reaches of Dhofar thus serving as the link for a large part of the country.

The main tourist attractions in the city are Nizwa Fort, the traditional Souq and Falaj Daris. In the 1990s, the Jama, the fort and the Souq which sit next to each other in the center were renovated using the same traditional materials. In 1993 Nizwa won the award of 'Organization of Arab Cities'.

Nizwa Sightseeings

Nizwa Fort

Nizwa Fort: The striking architecture of Nizwa fort and its magnificent 30 meter- high cylindrical tower. It’s the masterpiece of military design and engineering; It was built by Imam Sultan bin Saif Al Ya’rubi in 1649. The fort was the administrative seat of authority for the presiding Imams and Wallis in times of peace and conflict.

Nizwa Souq

Nizwa Souq: (Nizwa Market) The site of one of the oldest Souq in the country, this extensive marketplace is dedicated mostly to fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, all of which are housed in new buildings behind the great, crenulated piece of city wall that overlooks the Wadi. The eastern sections are the most atmospheric as they have not yet been renovated.

Falaj Dari’s

Falaj Dari’s: (gravity-fed irrigation systems) Falaj Dari’s is (a World Heritage Site) is the largest Falaj in Oman and is the life maintainer of Nizwa. It provides the surrounding countryside with much needed water for the plantations. This Falaj has been in operation since at least 500 CE.