Nizwa, Ancient city in Ad Dakhiliyah Region, Oman
Nizwa is an ancient city in the Ad Dakhiliyah region that sits at the base of the Western Hajar Mountains and is surrounded by date palm plantations. The city has a fort with a distinctive cylindrical tower and a traditional market that features narrow lanes lined with shops and workshops.
The fort was built in 1668 and served as a military stronghold and administrative center for the settlement. Over the centuries, the city became an important trading hub along old caravan routes.
The Friday livestock market at Nizwa Souk draws regional traders who sell animals and maintain centuries-old trading customs. You can watch the busy activity and hear negotiations between buyers and sellers throughout the day.
The best time to visit is October through April, when temperatures provide moderate conditions for outdoor activities. You can explore the fort, market, and surrounding mountains during daytime, with early visits offering the most comfort.
The Falaj Daris irrigation system is a UNESCO World Heritage site that shows advanced water management techniques developed over generations. This underground channel network has supplied water to the city and surrounding plantations for hundreds of years.
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