Nizwa, like much of Oman, is abundant in legend, history, and culture. Owing to its strategic location, Nizwa acts as a link for a significant part of the country. Hence, it is of little surprise that, for several periods of history, Nizwa was Oman’s most important city, and the hub of the country’s trade, art, and education.
Even though it plays second fiddle to Muscat these days, no one can deny the intrigue and prosperity that surrounds Nizwa. As tourists, you can thoroughly enjoy the activities, attractions, and adventures that this legendary city has to offer.
Nizwa has a wide range of tourist destinations, ranging from forts to shops. To know more about the city, its top tourist spots, and other information, use our Tripety travel itinerary planner app.
Nizwa Fort. Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya’Rubi constructed the Nizwa Fort in 1668 AD. For many decades, this fort was the seat of authority for governing Imams and Walis. Today, it is Oman’s most famous national monument. The fort’s major chunk took over a decade to develop and has an underground stream running below it. Throughout history, the Nizwa fort has been a symbol of the country’s strength, significance, and resilience. Nizwa’s tactical position and abundance of wealth made it a tempting target for raiding armies, and the Nizwa fort helped keep those evil forces at bay.
Nizwa Souq. Nizwa’s location at the base of the Hajar mountains made it the perfect trading spot. Traders could come down the mountains and buy, sell, and trade goods with their coastal counterparts. To this day, Nizwa is still an important hub for buying and selling, as portrayed by its bustling Nizwa Souq. While the Souq has many shops that sell food, wares, and other goods to the locals, numerous stalls and shops cater specifically to tourist needs and demands. The Nizwa Souq is a vast place, with each section dedicated to a specific kind of item. Since the Souq gets very busy very quickly, it is best to reach here early to truly enjoy the place’s grandiosity and versatility.
Jebel Shams. Until you visit the mountains surrounding the Hajar range, your Nizwa trip shall remain incomplete. This is primarily because these impressive mountains have played a significant part in Nizwa’s – and Oman’s – equally impressive history. The tallest mountain of this range, the Jebel Shams, can be toured in a four-by-four. You can reach quite close to the summit, where, from a height of nearly a thousand meters above sea level, you can relish a range of breathtaking views.
Nizwa is a beautiful blend of history and beauty, making it a sought-after tourist spot. If you are looking to plan a trip to Omani city, Tripety’s travel planner app will prove to be an invaluable asset with its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface.
