Al Jalali Fort, located in Oman's capital Muscat, commands views of the harbour and the old city, including the Sultan's Al Alam Palace.

Together with its 'twin', the Mirani fort, standing on a rocky outcrop a short distance away, the Al Jalali Fort once served as the main defense against foreign invaders.

Originally built by Portuguese occupying forces in the early part of the 16th century, Al Jalali Fort, after many changes in design over the centuries, is now a museum.

Wilayat Al-Hamra is a town in the interior well worth a visit. Towers and ancient forts are scattered all around the surrounding rural area. Two locations worth visiting are Al-Mesfah and Jabal Shams. You need a 4-Wheel drive to climb to 3000m above sea level where you will experience a different type of climate in this unspoiled region. Al-Hamra’s old market is worth a visit.

Set amid a verdant oasis planted with date palms, Nizwa fort guarded the town through its turbulent history in its strategic location at the crossroads of vital caravan routes. This magnificent 17th century fort, the largest on the Arabian peninsular, receives tens of thousands of visitors each year. Built by Imam Sultan bin Saif al Yaarubi in 1668 AD, and taking twelve years to complete, the fort is believed to stand on the site of a castle built by Imam Assalt bin Malik al Kharusi in 845 AD. The fort's design reflects the advancements made in the field of military fortifications and mortar-based warfare during the Yaarubi era. The walls are rounded, a design meant to withstand fierce barrages of mortar fire — a common feature of warfare in those times.

Written by  Dave Clucas.

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