Mud-brick towers
On a rocky outcrop.
Ekrem Canli — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Prof. Mortel — CC BY 2.0 · Prof. Mortel — CC BY 2.0 · Prof. Mortel — CC BY 2.0 · Davide Mauro — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Davide Mauro — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Prof. Mortel — CC BY 2.0 · Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy — CC BY 2.0
One of four historic fortresses at the foot of the Jebel Akhdar highlands and the first Omani fort on UNESCO's World Heritage List, in 1987. It is believed to have been built between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries by the Banu Nebhan tribe, who controlled the frankincense trade. The fort is a vast building of mud and straw on a rocky outcrop, with tall towers, long walls and many courtyards, set in the Bahla oasis inside an ancient wall some 13 kilometres long, parts of which still stand, among old mud-brick houses. Rain and erosion wore down the mud walls over the centuries, so the fort underwent major restoration and reopened in 2012. There are few exhibits or signs, so visitors explore on their own or with a guide, and many legends surround the place. Tickets are about 4 OMR, per visitor guides, card payment only. The courtyards are exposed, so mornings are best; many pair it with nearby Jabreen Castle.
On a rocky outcrop.
About 13 km long.
Free to explore.
Bahla, about 40 km west of Nizwa
Yes, UNESCO inscribed it in 1987, making it Oman's first World Heritage Site.