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Explore Oman
Historic castles and fortresses across the Sultanate — from UNESCO-listed Bahla to the Portuguese bastions of Old Muscat.
Oman's forts are among the finest examples of Islamic military architecture in the region — each with its own story, craft and commanding views.
A marvel of Islamic architecture with colossal intricately carved wooden doors and receptacles for pouring boiling oil or date honey on intruders. Set on the banks of a wadi.
Opening hours Sun–Thu: 07:30–14:30 & 15:00–18:00 · Fri: 09:00–12:00 & 14:30–18:00 · Sat: 09:00–13:00 & 14:30–18:00
A 450-year-old imposing fort with unique rooms, long corridors and traditional motifs. A staircase to the roof offers panoramic views of the town, market and neighbouring Al Khandaq Castle.
Opening hours Sun–Thu: 07:30–14:30 & 15:00–18:00 · Fri: 09:00–12:00 & 14:30–18:00 · Sat: 09:00–13:00 & 14:30–18:00
Built in the 1580s by the Portuguese in Old Muscat, overlooking the Sea of Oman. Two imposing towers connected by a cannon-punctuated wall, accessed via a small bridge and stairway.
Also known as Al Gharbiya Fort, the neighbouring bastion to Al Jalali showcasing early Omani-Portuguese architecture. Reached by climbing stairs carved into the rock.
One of the oldest and largest forts in Oman and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built of mud bricks and surrounded by watchtowers and battlements — an excellent example of traditional Omani architecture.
Opening hours Sun–Thu: 07:30–14:30 & 15:00–18:00 · Fri: 09:00–12:00 & 14:30–18:00 · Sat: 09:00–13:00 & 14:30–18:00
An old Islamic fort in Al Batinah, famed as the site where Ahmed Bin Said ousted the Persians in 1747. Renovated in the 1980s with four towers, one with an unusual octagonal structure.
Opening hours Sun–Thu: 07:30–14:30 & 15:00–18:00 · Fri: 09:00–12:00 & 14:30–18:00 · Sat: 09:00–13:00 & 14:30–18:00
Believed constructed around 1800 to ward off enemy tribes, this majestic fortress stands on the Bilad Sur Plain with towers known as A'Souq, Jalan, Al Khandaq and a distinctive two-storey fourth tower.
Opening hours Sun–Thu: 07:30–14:30 & 15:00–18:00 · Fri: 09:00–12:00 & 14:30–18:00 · Sat: 09:00–13:00 & 14:30–18:00
Built more than 400 years ago at a prominent trading crossroads where merchants travelling across the Arabian Peninsula stopped to trade. Today the area is home to the bustling Ibri Souq.
Opening hours Sun–Thu: 07:30–14:30 & 15:00–18:00 · Fri: 09:00–12:00 & 14:30–18:00 · Sat: 09:00–13:00 & 14:30–18:00
One of the country's most fascinating buildings, full of intricate frescoes and elaborate inscriptions. An authentic expression of Omani craftsmanship with stunning photographic opportunities.
Opening hours Sun–Thu: 07:30–14:30 & 15:00–18:00 · Fri: 09:00–12:00 & 14:30–18:00 · Sat: 09:00–13:00 & 14:30–18:00
Constructed over the ruins of a 17th-century Portuguese castle built to watch the Strait of Hormuz. Nearby Kamadra Fort offers spectacular mountain views from its battlements.
Opening hours Sun–Thu: 07:30–14:30 & 15:00–18:00 · Fri: 09:00–12:00 & 14:30–18:00 · Sat: 09:00–13:00 & 14:30–18:00
A prominent landmark in Wilayat Mirbat spanning 467 square metres and 12 metres high. Two floors with towers in the southwest and southeast corners.
Stands tall on rocky hills overlooking the harbour, dominating the eastern end of Muttrah with three towers — a huge summit tower and two others to the west and north.
Opening hours Sun–Thu: 07:30–14:30 & 15:00–18:00 · Fri: 09:00–12:00 & 14:30–18:00 · Sat: 09:00–13:00 & 14:30–18:00
Nestled among lush palm orchards with stunning views of the wadi and green plantations. Built around an irregularly shaped rock that has become part of the structure itself.
Opening hours Sun–Thu: 07:30–14:30 & 15:00–18:00 · Fri: 09:00–12:00 & 14:30–18:00 · Sat: 09:00–13:00 & 14:30–18:00
The largest fort of its kind on the Arabian Peninsula, towering above Nizwa — once the Islamic, political and cultural capital of Oman. Features a huge central tower with an outer diameter of 43 metres.
Opening hours Sun–Thu: 07:30–14:30 & 15:00–18:00 · Fri: 09:00–12:00 & 14:30–18:00 · Sat: 09:00–13:00 & 14:30–18:00
A small entrance opens to colossal walls. Two floors, a mosque, prison and water wells, plus four towers — the Red, Wind, Devil's and Modern towers — with mountain views from the top.
Opening hours Sun–Thu: 07:30–14:30 & 15:00–18:00 · Fri: 09:00–12:00 & 14:30–18:00 · Sat: 09:00–13:00 & 14:30–18:00
Houses the Sohar Fort Museum within its walls, detailing the city's history and the important role of the copper trade and its relationship with Canton in China.
Opening hours Daily: 08:00–14:00 & 16:00–18:00
Built on a classic square plan with four round watchtowers. Rooms display traditional artefacts including poetry, Quran stands and carpets. Offers a magnificent view of Sur city.
Opening hours Sun–Thu: 07:30–14:30 & 15:00–18:00 · Fri: 09:00–12:00 & 14:30–18:00 · Sat: 09:00–13:00 & 14:30–18:00
A prominent historical monument in Wilayat Taqah, once a vital administrative centre. Characterised by beautiful artistic colours, multiple windows, wooden curtains and arches.