Up the next morning for breakfast in the guesthouse garden. Then it was time to visit the Bahla Fort about 42 km to the west of Nizwa. Bahla Fort is one of the largest in Oman and a UNESCO listed site. Built in the 12th century, it looms over the city and has panoramic views from its battlements. Spent a couple of hours poking around, then went across the street to the lovely souk. It was shut down for lunch break but we found a small cafe and had a tasty pistachio coffee and a non-alcoholic mojito.
Back to Nizwa to explore the Nizwa Fort and Castle in the late afternoon. Built in the 17th century, the fort has a huge 40m tall round tower complete with ‘murder holes’ in which to pour boiling honey or oil onto any invaders. There was a festival on, so lots of singing, craft displays, and ceremonial marching with swords at the Castle. Also a demo of the making of halwa, a sickly sweet Omani treat.
Dinner at Al Zuhly Restaurant. Delicious traditional Omani food, shawarma with hummus, while sitting on the sidewalk outside. Great view of the fort and old mosque. Watched in amusement as locals pulled up in their cars and honked their horns for takeout.
Flickr pix of Bahla and Nizwa are here:
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Nizwa and Bahla, Oman