This week’s Pit Stop was at the Jabreen Castle, located in the small town of Jabreen. If you plan on visiting the impressive Omani fort, chances are you will also want to check out the nearby ancient oasis city of Nizwa. The capital of Oman in the 6th and 7th century AD, Nizwa was a center of education and art, as well as the birthplace of Islam in the Sultanate of Oman. Today, Nizwa is the largest city in Oman’s interior province. A center for date production and packing (Nizwa grows up to 40 different varieties of the fruit), Nizwa is also home to the largest single falaj (an underground irrigation system) in Oman, the Falaj Daris, which provides the surrounding areas with water.

Located at the base of the Western Hajar Mountains, Nizwa sits at the crossroads of Muscat, Buraimi and Dhofar. In addition to being an excellent base from which to explore Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest mountain, and Wadi Ghul, “Oman’s Grand Canyon,” Nizwa also has a lush palm oasis that stretches for eight miles along the course of two wadis (dry riverbeds). Famous for its historical landmarks and bustling souq (market), Nizwa has become rather modernized over the past 30 years and is now becoming a tourist destination. Keep in mind that even though Oman is one of the more liberal countries in the Middle East, it still is a Muslim country. Tourists are advised to dress on the conservative side. Unless you’re on a beach, avoid wearing tight clothing, shorts, mini-skirts and tank tops.

Nizwa Fort
Located in the center of Nizwa sits Oman’s most visited national monument: Nizwa Fort. Built in the 17th century by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya’aruba to defend the route to the interior, the architectural showpiece, which is the biggest fort in the Arabian Peninsula, includes a massive circular tower that has a diameter of 150 feet and rises 115 above the ground.

Nizwa Souq
Located just outside of Nizwa Fort is the Nizwa Souq (market). Renovated in the 1990s, this market is renowned for its leather goods, ornate silver jewelry, and intricately hand carved “khanjar,” which is the traditional dagger of Oman. You won’t want to miss the unique goat and cattle auction that is held each Friday morning.

Bahla
Not far from Nizwa is the mysterious ancient town of Bahla, which dates back to the third millennium BC. Bahla is full of so many myths and legends that some Omanis are rather superstitious when it comes to discussing it. Famous for its pottery, Bahla is also home to Oman’s oldest fort: Bahla Fort. A World Heritage Site, one of its main features is the seven mile long wall that surrounds the fort.

Jabreen Castle
Just a short distance beyond Bahla sits the Castle of Jabreen. Erected in the mid-1600s by Bil’arab bin Sultan, an Imam of the Ya’aruba dynasty, the castle served as both a defensive stronghold and a residence for the Imam. The castle is noted for its beautiful painted wooden ceilings and serves as the resting place for Imam Bil’arab’s tomb.

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