Nizwa, the religious centre of the Omans, has a moving past and until the 12th century it was the capital of the Desert State of Oman.

It contains a massive fortress of which the architecture is captivating, an impressive, castle-like structure that was built on the orders of Sultan, Bin Saif Al Yarooba, in 1660.

Nizwa’s picturesque markets offer a large variety of goods and the city is the centre of the country’s silver trade. In addition to shops that sell traditional crafts and general goods, many fruit and vegetable traders offer their products for sale in the restored Souk. The majority of the goods come from the surrounding oasis plantations. Close to the restored quarter, the old town has managed to retain its charm and it’s here that time seems to have stood still as the hustle and bustle of the marketplace is reminiscent of a bygone time.

From the battlements of the fortress there’s a marvellous view across the magnificent mountain terrain of Oman’s interior and also to the city’s minaret. In the Sufala district, close to the monumental castle, is the Sultan Qaboos Mosque. As it towers into the sky, the shining tip of the Friday’s Mosque is a reminder of the city’s former prosperity.

The religious, economic and cultural centre of Oman, Nizwa provides a fascinating and exotic impression of the past.