Nizwa, Oman: 7 places to see - Souq, Fort and Aflaj
Explore Nizwa, Oman's former capital in the interior, showcasing the region's rich history, traditional souks, and cultural heritage. This route highlights the city's strategic importance as a historic trading crossroads and its role as a religious center ruled by imams.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Nizwa Souq
- End
- Hajjar Mountains
- Stops
- 7
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Nizwa Souq — One of the oldest markets in Oman with sections dating back 300 years, preserving traditional local market life and crafts.
- Nizwa Fort — 17th-century fortress built by Imam Bin Saif Al-Yarubi to guard strategic trade routes, with a 9th-century castle foundation and creative defense mechanisms.
- Burkat Al Mouz — Ancient village in the Hajjar foothills with traditional mud-brick ruins approximately 300 years old, surrounded by date palm and banana plantations.
- Aflaj Irrigation System — UNESCO-listed ancient water channel system dating back 5,000 years, still functioning today and drawing water from natural mountain springs.
- Jabal Akhdar
- Nizwa — Former capital of Oman in the interior, historically ruled by imams in the 6th–7th centuries and a major trading crossroads for the country.
- Hajjar Mountains — Impressive mountain range characterizing Oman's interior, historically the religious center of the country where imams ruled.
Useful for your trip
- Food
- Visit Nizwa Souq to try 64 different varieties of Omani dates. Ask for Punarina dates as a recommended variety.
- Food
- Try Halwa, a traditional Omani sweet dessert made with nuts, saffron, cardamom, sugar, starch, water, and rose water. Available at shops called 'Safety' in Nizwa.
- Tip
- Visit Nizwa Fort built in the 17th century to see stunning views over Nizwa town and learn about its 9th-century castle foundations.
- Tip
- Explore Burkat Al Mouz village with 300-year-old mud brick houses surrounded by date palm plantations, located near Nizwa.
- Timing
- Visit Burkat Al Mouz after June, as the date cultivation season ends in June but the oasis is still beautiful year-round.
- Tip
- See the UNESCO-listed Aflaj irrigation system, a 5,000-year-old ancient water channel system that still functions, drawing water from natural springs 7 kilometers away.
- Tip
- Visit Jabal Akhdar mountain (part of Hajjar range) to see terraced farms, inhabited ancient villages, and crops including pomegranates, apricots, and rose plants used for rose water.
- Tip
- Contact local tour guide Yasser (Al Maamar Tours) for informative tours in the Nizwa region: +968 9947 1007 or www.almaamaritours.com
- Food
- Visit the old restored part of Nizwa Souq to see shops that look unchanged for 100 years, offering authentic local market experience.
Video on this route
NIZWA, OMAN | TRAVEL DOCUMENTARY | OMAN SERIES PT 3