Historical Day Trip Nizwa, Jabreen Castle, Bahla Fort｜Oman

Explore the ancient city of Nizwa, the former capital of Oman, on a full-day tour from Muscat. Visit the Nizwa Souq, Nizwa Fort, Jabreen Castle, and Bahla Fort, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Start your day with a visit to the famous Nizwa Souq. Here, you can find a wide variety of vendors offering their goods in the streets of the souk. Browse for vegetables, pottery, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs, which are sold in authentic old market halls that few places can boast.

Especially interesting is the Friday cattle market, when the locals come to sell their goats, cattle, sheep, and chickens in a circus-style open market place. Next to the Souq is Nizwa Fort and Castle. The fort was built in 1649 and the castle was built in 888. The fort is a museum today and offers splendid views of this ancient town and the surrounding mountains.

Walk around in this impressive fort and castle and explore its many passages and rooms. The fort is an architectural testimony to the economic and military achievements of the early Yaruba dynasty from the mid-17th century. It was a military stronghold designed to withstand even the strongest of attacks at the time.

Continue to Jabreen Castle, which was originally designed as a presidential palace in 1670. The interior includes various furniture and traditional utensils to provide visitors with a taste of the period castle lifestyle. The building itself is decorated with elaborate wood carvings, ceiling paintings, and stucco work.

Finally, visit Bahla Fort, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort is believed to have been built 2000 years ago but was rebuilt between the 12th and 15th centuries by the Banu Nebhan tribe. As part of the complex, there is also a citadel oasis adjacent to the fort and an ancient wall spanning 13 kilometers, part of which is still standing.