Oman Forts

Nakhal Castle : Located in Al-Batina Region, Nakhl Castle sets on top of a 200-metre rocky prominence in the foothills of the Western Hajar Mountains, overlooking the extended verdant palm (Nakhl in Arabic) farms of Nakhl countryside.

The Castle is believed to be dated to pre Islamic era, and has undergone significant renovation in the 9th & 16th centuries during the reign of Bani Kharous and Al-Ya'aribah Imams, respectively. The gate, fence and towers were built during the reign of Sultan Said bin Sultan Al-Bu Saidi in 1834. In 1990, the Castle was restorated using traditional building materials and period furnishings.

Out of the various towers, Al-Wasat Tower (Central Tower) is the most prominent. The Castle also features a bridge running underneath and hosts many rooms for various uses, including the seat of the Wali, a guard's shelter and soldier rooms.

Ar-Rustaq Castle : The Castle nestles at the foot of Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar edging Al-Batina plain. It was first built in the 13th century upon Persian ruins circa, but the current structure was re-established by the first Imam of Al-Ya'aribah dynasty between 1624-1649, when they took Ar-Rustaq as the capital of united Oman.

Ar-Rustaq Castle is a rectangular shaped stronghold surrounded by masked walls, encircling an open courtyard with an open staircase leading to the top of the Castle.

It encompasses 4 towers, the oldest of which is an oval shaped tower which the Persians built in the 6th century known as the Tower of Kisra, named after their leader Khisro Anu Sharwan.

The Castle is penetrated by Falaj Al-Sa'eghi and includes several facilities that were used for housing, storage and defence, on top of a number of wells, Bayadha mosque, and the tomb of late Imam; Sultan bin Seif. The Castle was restored in 1986.

Sohar Castle : Proudly rests in the heart of Sohar city, the white Castle is a vital stronghold in Al-Batinah Region, due to its location and the distinctive role it played during Oman history.

Archaeological excavations in 1980 revealed that Sohar Castle was built by the Emirs of Hurmuz in the 4th century, during the reign of Bani Nabahan.

The current design of the Castle resembles the blueprints of Portuguese designer De Risinda in 1507, which highlights the presence of a surrounding wall, the still visible relics and the existence of a church at the Western corner of the Castle, opposite to which lies what appears to be a monument with a cross at its apex.

A 10 Km tunnel runs westwards from inside the Castle towards Wilayat of Buraimi, which was a major route to obtain reinforcements and supplies during sieges.

In 1993, the Castle was converted to a museum, documenting the vibrant history of Sohar, its Castle and its famous harbour.

Nizwa Castle : Set amid a verdant spread of date palms, the Castle is a major tourism pillar for the city of Nizwa, in Ad-Dakhliyah Region.

Nizwa Castle stands proud at the heart of Nizwa as a powerful reminder of town's invincibility through turbulent periods of Oman history, being strategically located at the crossroads of caravan routes linking interior with Muscat and Dhofar regions. Nizwa was declared the capital of Oman in the 17th century during the reign of Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al-Ya'arubi, who built and used the Castle as his headquarters.

Design of the Castle reflects the considerable advancement made in the field of military fortifications and mortar-based warfare during the era of Al-Ya'aribah. Main bulk of the citadel took about 12 years to complete and was built above a subterranean stream. The entrance of the Castle opens into a veritable maze of rooms, high-ceilinged halls, doorways, narrow staircases, terraces, and corridors.

The most striking feature of the Castle is its central tower, which features a colossal of 150 feet in diameter and soars 115 feet above the rest of fortification, complete with battlements, turrets, secret shafts, false doors and wells.

4 cannons remain on the tower's summit, down from a total of 24, which once served as the Castle's main firepower provided complete 360-degree coverage of the countryside around.

Bahla Castle : The walled triangular-shaped Castle is located in Wilayat Bahla, in Ad-Dakhliah Region. Its main structures are situated on a high land in the Eastern corner. Some parts of the Castle are thought dated back to the Pre-Islamic era.

The Southern façade of the Castle measures 112.5 m, the Eastern 114m and the North Western wall 135 m. A somewhat daunting brick built high wall surrounding the Settlement of Bahla and its great stronghold, sorts to a length of 7 miles.

The Castle witnessed 3 renovation periods: the first was during Nabhani reign (830), then during the reign of Imam Nasser bin Murshid Al Ya'arubi (1624), and the third was during the reign of Imam Azan bin Qais Al-Bu Saidi (1868).

The unusual shape, ornate towers and impressive high wall, in addition to its cultural value qualified the Castle of Bahla to be listed by UNESCO on its list of World Heritage and Culture in 1988. Restoration work has been recently completed.