There are over 500 forts, towers and palaces built along the 1,700 kilometer coastal stretch of Oman. The main purpose of these buildings was to safeguard the city from invaders. Now a mere reflection of the military defense mechanism of an era gone by, these historical edifices serve as popular tourist attractions. Each fort varies in architectural style and layout.

Built in 1668 is the Nizwa Fort, which is the largest fort in the Arabian Gulf. This fort took 12 years to complete and was pivotal in defending the city against marauding enemies. There are several unique aspects about this fort, of which the windows are several inches thick and when closed during battle has a small hole from which boiling oil was poured on to invaders attempting to scale the walls. The Jabrin Fort was built in 1670 as a defensive strong hold and living accommodation for the then spiritual leader of Muscat who is referred at as an Imam. This fort is most elaborate with its carvings and paintings painstakingly spread right through the living spaces of the fort. Whilst the towers in the fort boast walls that are two meters thick.

To mention a few of the other significant Omani fortresses in Muscat; Fort Al Jalali and Al Mirani is another famous fortress, built in 16AD, these forts stand at the mouth of the Muscat Bay. Al Jalali was turned in to a museum during the reign of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. The oldest and tallest fort in existence is the Rustaq Fort, built in the 13th century. Reaching much acclaim and repute the Bahla Fort Wall is also listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its seven mile long wall. This fort wall is wide enough to accommodate sentries who used to patrol its perimeter night and day. 

Take time to appreciate these relics and architectural wonders of Omani fortresses in Muscat. Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, Sultanate of Oman serves as an idyllic location for tourist wishing to explore this historical city.