Results Military monuments Nakhal

NAKHAL HISTORY

Military
5/5
1 notice

Go there and contact

Carte de l'emplacement de l'établissement
Nationale 13, Nakhal, Oman
Show on map
I am the owner
Click here
2024
Recommended
2024

The Sultanate of Oman is renowned for its many forts, but the Sultanate of Nakhal stands out in particular. It is one of the largest and most beautiful in the country and, above all, one of the only ones built on an irregularly shaped rocky promontory. The foundations of the present building, like those of most Omani forts, are very old and date back to long before Islam. However, the foundations of the structure as it stands today date from three successive eras, during which the citadel was renovated and enlarged to its current surface area of 3,400 m²: the second half of the 17th century (a period of prosperity and relative calm under the powerful Ya'ariba dynasty, reigning from 1650 to 1744), 1834 and 1990.

Surrounded by a 30-metre-high wall and protected by six towers, the fort today forms a harmonious, well-appointed ensemble, evocative of past lifestyles. It has most of the characteristics of an Omani defensive building: its second entrance gate is surmounted by an opening through which guards poured hot oil on unwelcome visitors (remember to raise your head to observe this curiosity). There are two meeting rooms: one downstairs for the winter; the other upstairs for the summer, much cooler thanks to an ideal draught system during the hot season. They are decorated with painted beams (ornamental motifs and Koranic verses), chests and books, as in the past. The pieces of wood inserted in the wall were mainly used to hang weapons. The access doors were low, so that each visitor was obliged to bend down as a sign of humility and respect for the chief, the Wali. The fort also has two wells (one of which is on the roofs), two date storage rooms, two secret exits, a maze of rooms (including the Wali's private room with bed, chest, silver jewellery) and a multitude of stairs, as always.

The most courageous will be able, with precaution, to climb a makeshift ladder at the top of the east tower, from which a beautiful panorama of the palm grove and the foothills of the Hajar Mountains can be enjoyed. And gun enthusiasts will be pleased to find various weapons from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries on display in the middle tower. Also take the time to wander outside on the rooftops to appreciate the extent to which the fort follows the shape of the rock on which it was built and which dictated much of its architectural design.


Organize your trip with our partners Nakhal
Transportation
Accommodation & stays
Services / On site

Book the Best Activities with Get Your Guide

Members' reviews on NAKHAL HISTORY

5/5
1 reviews
Send a reply
Value for money
Service
Originality
You have already submitted a review for this establishment, it has been validated by the Petit Futé team. You have already submitted a review for this establishment, awaiting validation, you will receive an email as soon as it is validated.
Marc_1960
Visited in march 2018
Value for money
Service
Originality
Superbe fort, beaucoup de salle aménagée, belle architecture. Très agréable visite.
Parking gratuit et entrée du fort à 1/2 OMR ou 500 baizas / personne (+- 1,10 euros mars 2018)

Find unique Stay Offers with our Partners

Send a reply