Oman’s Largest Fortress! Must-See Spots at the World Heritage Site, Bahla Fort

Oman is a country located at the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. In the capital city of Muscat, you’ll find Mutrah Souq, a bustling marketplace lined with numerous souvenir shops. Behind Muscat lies the Al Hajar Mountains, and on the opposite side at the foot of these mountains stands the World Heritage-listed Bahla Fort.

Nearby, there are three other historic fortresses—Izki, Rustaq, and Al-Rustaq—but Bahla Fort is the only one recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bahla itself is an oasis city surrounded by 12 kilometers of defensive walls. Known for its high-quality clay production, the city is also famous as a hub for pottery. While Oman is home to many fortresses, Bahla Fort stands out with its towering sun-dried brick walls, making it a truly spectacular site worthy of its World Heritage status!

What is Bahla Fort?

Bahla Fort and the city of Bahla are believed to have been built during the 13th to 14th centuries, serving as the capital of the Nabhani dynasty, which emerged in the 12th century. The Nabhani dynasty ruled until 1624, when the Yaruba dynasty took power and moved the capital to Nizwa. Around this time, Bahla Fort is said to have been destroyed.

Afterward, the fort was largely neglected. By the time it was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1987, it was in such a deteriorated state that its walls would crumble when it rained. As a result, it was placed on the list of endangered World Heritage Sites the following year. Restoration work by the Omani government began in 1990, and in 2004, the site was finally removed from the endangered list.

How to Access Bahla Fort

From Ruwi District in Muscat, the capital of Oman, two state-operated buses run daily. The bus stop is conveniently located right in front of Bahla Fort, making it an easy destination to visit.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Nizwa, located east of Bahla. While taxis are more expensive and require fare negotiation, shared taxis are a more affordable option. There are also two daily buses from Ruwi to Nizwa, making transportation convenient.

Nizwa itself is a tourist city known for its large fortress. Since Bahla does not have many accommodation options, it is recommended to stay in Nizwa if you plan to explore the area at a relaxed pace.

Recommended Highlight ①: Numerous Watchtowers

Bahla Fort, a World Heritage Site, is characterized by two main features. First, its enormous scale and impact, with 12 km-long defensive walls surrounding the town. Second, its numerous watchtowers.

The central watchtower stands at 50 meters high, and in total, there are 132 watchtowers of varying sizes, including cylindrical and rectangular ones—a truly impressive number! Some of these towers are accessible, allowing visitors to climb up and enjoy a panoramic view of Bahla, the oasis city.

The fort is also designed with a network of patrol routes, creating a maze-like experience! As expected from a UNESCO-listed fortress, exploring the entire site requires a considerable amount of time.

Recommended Highlight ②: The Long City Walls

The city walls surrounding Bahla Fort and the old town are constructed using sun-dried bricks and date palm trunks. These walls extend for 12 kilometers, even reaching into the mountains. Because of its vast and impressive length, the walls are sometimes referred to as "The Great Wall of Arabia".

Seeing the entire wall in one visit is quite challenging. Instead, a great option is to photograph your favorite section of the walls, particularly from behind the hospital northeast of Bahla Fort, where the walls extend toward the eastern part of the city.

Recommended Highlight ③: Jabrin Castle

About a 10-minute drive from Bahla Fort, in the outskirts of Bahla, lies Jabrin Castle. Although not a World Heritage Site, it offers a different kind of tourist appeal compared to Bahla Fort.

Built in 1671 as a royal palace, Jabrin Castle also served as a center of learning. Its highlights include intricately decorated ceilings and luxurious Arabian carpets, which reflect the architectural beauty of the time.

At the same time, the castle was equipped with defensive features, including boiling water traps used against invaders and prison cells, making for an intriguing visit.
Since there is no public transportation to Jabrin Castle, visitors must take a taxi. If you're visiting Bahla Fort, make sure to include Jabrin Castle in your itinerary as well!

Important Notes When Visiting Bahla Fort

Oman strictly follows Islamic traditions, so visitors should be mindful of local customs. Use your right hand when eating, do not litter, and avoid wearing revealing clothing. Additionally, portraits of the Sultan of Oman are displayed in various places, and it is advisable to avoid discussing political topics. Keeping these cultural norms in mind will help you have a smooth visit to Bahla Fort.

Although Bahla is located at the foot of a mountain range, the weather is extremely hot, with summer temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F) in the afternoon. Since Bahla Fort does not have air conditioning, it is best to visit in the morning. The weather becomes more pleasant from October onwards, making autumn and beyond the ideal seasons to explore Bahla Fort.

◎ Summary

We’ve introduced the must-see highlights of Bahla Fort, Oman’s World Heritage Site.

Bahla is also famous for its pottery, with numerous pottery workshops located near Bahla Fort. Many of these workshops offer free tours, making them an excellent addition to your visit!

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

Oman’s Largest Fortress! Must-See Spots at the World Heritage Site, Bahla Fort