Known as a centre for trade, education, art, and religion, Nizwa is the largest city of the A’Dakhiliyah Region in Oman and is only an hour and thirty minutes’ drive away from Muscat. The fort city is located on a plain in the Hajar mountains and used to be the capital of Oman in the 6th and 7th centuries AD.
Rich in heritage and respectful towards history, this city dignifies the term “tourist destination” due to its various cultural, agricultural, and recreational elements, together with a population of around 72,000 people.
With the pandemic still wreaking havoc, a break may be in order. When you’re wondering where to go next or already have a plan in mind after COVID, here are a few reasons why you should include Nizwa on your “must visit” travel list.
The Weather
Whether you enjoy peak summer days or pleasant winter nights, Nizwa has just the right mix for everyone. It is a place known to have an arid climate because of the mountains that surround it. The winters are relatively pleasant with temperatures in January dropping to as low as 12°C. The summers get hot and dry with peak temperature hovering around 45°C in the month of July. Just pick the right time of the year for yourself and make a trip down here to witness some real peace and beauty.
Islamic Roots
Nizwa is a place renowned for its deep-rooted connection to Islam with the city even serving as a centre for Islamic learning in the past. The city has even been called the ‘Pearl of Islam’ for this very reason and is home to several mosques built as early as the 9th century AD such as the Sultan Qaboos Jama (Friday mosque), So’al Mosque, Ash-Sharja Mosque, and Ash-Shawathinah Mosque. Other popular mosques such as Al-Ain Mosque, Ash-Sheikh Mosque and Shuraij Mosque in Tanuf were built around 1000 AD.
Nizwa Fort
Built by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya’rubi in 1668 AD the Nizwa Fort is constantly frequented by tourists and locals making it the most visited national monument in Oman. The 36-metre wide drum-like tower stands at a height of 30 metres above ground and has a foundation that is also nearly as deep. This main structure took around 12 years to complete and was designed specifically to withstand an immense barrage of mortar fire in times of conflict. The Nizwa Fort reflects Omani architecture designed parallel to advancements in military fortifications making it an administrative seat in times of turbulence as well as peace for ruling Imams and Walis at the time.
Falaj Daris
Nizwa is surrounded by picturesque mountains and soothing palm plantations boosting the city’s agricultural aspects and making it a key centre for farming. The palm plantations of Nizwa stretch along the course of two wadis for a distance of about eight kilometres. Falaj Daris, the largest falaj in Oman and also the main source of water for the surrounding plantations, is UNESCO World Heritage Site and is effectively the lifeblood of the city. In addition to Falaj Daris, Nizwa is also home to two other falajs – Al Ghantuq and Dhoot.
Nizwa Souq
Another popular tourist destination is the Nizwa Souq. It is widely known as a place for vendors to sell various products ranging from food to silverware. The city is renowned for its silver jewellery and Khanjars, both of which are said to be amongst the best in the world and widely available there. The souq also hosts a goat market every Friday at 7 am, providing visitors with a unique first-hand look at how livestock is traded. So, whether you want meat, fish, spices, fruits, vegetables, jewellery, handicrafts, or just wish to experience the true spirit of an authentic Arabian Souq, Nizwa Souq is an absolute must-visit.
The Village of Tanuf
Located a few miles away from the Nizwa centre are the ruins of an old village called Tanuf. This little village is popularised due to seasonal waterfalls that are unique to the area. The accompanying Wadi Tanuf runs between a steep valley amid surrounding mountains and is also the source of mineral water sold under the Tanuf brand in and around the country. Whether you want to swim, click some pictures for the gram or just have a little picnic, these waterfalls nestled within the village make for a great destination.
The country we live in exudes beauty like no other. It is home to selfless people, national treasures, and a serene environment. Although the world is currently on halt for a little while, make sure to pack your bags for a trip to this beautiful city as soon as the world hits play again. Nizwa is one destination that guarantees a memorable and fulfilling trip.