| Nizwa نزوى | ||
 | ||
| State | Oman | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Al-Dakhiliyya governorate | |
| Altitude | 492 m a.s.l. | |
| Surface | 3,500 km² | |
| Inhabitants | 85.528 (2010 census) | |
| Time zone | UTC 4 | |
Position
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Nizwa is a city ofOman, capital of Al-Dakhiliyya governorate.
To know
Ancient capital of the country in the sixth and seventh centuries, Nizwa lies in a luxuriant oasis fed by a wadi that has its sources in the nearby Ḥajar Mountains whose barren peaks surround the inhabited area on every side. It is the second most visited city by foreigners after Muscat and is a good starting point for day trips to the mountains or to the nearby wadi.
Background
Nizwa is known as one of the first cities in Oman to convert to Islam. For centuries it was the seat of the conservative Islamic school, and was considered so hostile to outsiders that even in the mid-20th century, explorer Wilfred Thesiger was forced to cease his attempts to visit the city.
In 1950 Nizwa revolted against the sultan of Muscat; then suppressed with the help of forces British. Since 1970 it has rapidly modernized, maintaining its traditional character even in its more recent architecture. Today the city is known for the cultivation of dates, the most prized varieties of which are khalas and khumaizi.
How to orient yourself
Nizwa: full screen map.The most interesting part of the city is undoubtedly the old one, with its dilapidated mud houses and characteristic streets.
How to get
By car
Nizwa is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes southwest of Muscat on the R15 road.
For travelers arriving from al-'Ayn in United Arab Emirates, the journey on the R21 road will last just over 3 hours.
By bus
- Oman National Transport Company (ONTC), Saqar Karsha (Agent) (In the souk), ☎ 968 25 431979, 968 99 449680. Manages buses to and from Muscat twice a day, with a travel time of 2 hours and 20 min.
How to get around
Leave the car and move on foot, at least through the streets of the center. For the other attractions, which are a few kilometers away, the only solution is the car.
What see
The old town near the fort has several old buildings and narrow streets to explore.
- 1 Nizwa fortress, ☎ 968 26 5411844.
Full 5 OMR, reduced 3 OMR (Jan 2020). 
Sat-Thu 09: 00-16: 00, Fri 09: 00-11: 00. 17th century fortress built in 1668 by Imam Sultan bin Saif al Ya'rubi. This impressive fortress is one of the most visited national monuments in Oman. In the early 1950s the fort's large round tower was bombed by the British Royal Air Force during the uprising. It houses a museum and from the huge tower, the interior of which can be visited for a fee, there are beautiful views of Nizwa and the surrounding date plantations. 
Full 5 OMR, reduced 3 OMR (Jan 2020). 
Sat-Thu 09: 00-16: 00, Fri 09: 00-11: 00. 17th century fortress built in 1668 by Imam Sultan bin Saif al Ya'rubi. This impressive fortress is one of the most visited national monuments in Oman. In the early 1950s the fort's large round tower was bombed by the British Royal Air Force during the uprising. It houses a museum and from the huge tower, the interior of which can be visited for a fee, there are beautiful views of Nizwa and the surrounding date plantations.
- 2 Falaj Daris, Road R21 (In the northern suburbs of Nizwa). Free. One of the five Aflaj, gravity-fed irrigation systems, which are collectively listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Falaj has been in operation since at least 500 AD, although it is believed a similar irrigation system has been used in the area since 2500 BC. A pleasant park has been created around a section of the Falaj, making it an ideal place for picnics.
- 3 Al Qala'a Mosque, ☎ 968 25 410294. The most important mosque in the city, but they don't necessarily allow non-Muslims to enter.
- 4 Alqaren Tower (برج القرن) (next to road 21 Nizwa-Bahla, on the northern outskirts of the city). Watchtower located on a hill.
Events and parties
What to do
- 1 Suq of Nizwa (Near the castle). until 11:30. This lively souk has separate sections for vegetables, meat and pottery. The eastern sections are the most impressive as they have not yet been renovated.
- 2 Goat souk (A circular structure near the main souk). Thu-Fri morning. Being there around 07:30 allows you to enjoy the last hour of the goat market. Business is brisk with lots of shouting, bargaining and handshaking. Truly Arabic and wonderful.
- 3 Jewelery souk. In this street, in a hundred meters you will find a high concentration of illuminated jewelers.
Suq of Nizwa
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Goat souk
Jewelery souk
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Shopping
Nizwa is famous for its handcrafted silver daggers (khanjar) and known for silver craftsmanship in general. You can find good pieces in the souk, but you will have to negotiate heavily. The souk is also a good source for antiques, including Maria Theresa thalers, once used as Oman's official currency.
Vanilla, saffron, spices, dried lemons and nuts of all kinds are examples of good purchases that can be found in the older section of the souk. This is also a good place to pick up some fine Nizwa dates.
Near the castle there are several jewelers who are illuminated by day in the evening.
- 1 Omani Craftsman's House (Next to the castle entrance). Local craft shop.
- 2 At the ismaili Shopping Center (Supermarket), ☎ 968 25 412333. A small supermarket
How to have fun
Night clubs
After dinner the city closes and few bars remain open. Not even the bars (at least in the center) allow you to spend the evening out. The only option is an evening stroll near the castle or in the deserted streets of the souk.
Where to eat
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The reviews about places to eat are almost all bad. The situation improves if you are looking for high-end restaurants.
Moderate prices
- 1 Lulu Hypermarket, ☎ 968 25 415900, fax: 968 25 415999. Sat-Thu 08: 00-23: 45; Fri 08: 00-11: 00, 16: 30-23: 45. It has a full shop with hot and cold deli. This is a good place to stock up if you're headed to the mountains for a couple of days.
- 2 Modern Oman Bakery (مخبز عمان الحديث), ☎ 968 9916 7197. Mon-Sun 7: 00-23: 00. Run like Indians, this unpretentious bakery could save you by avoiding worse restaurants.
Average prices
- 3 Bahjat Al Sham, Hwy 21 (Close to the Hotel Al Diyar), ☎ 968 25 412409. Good and cheap international menu.
Where stay
Moderate prices
- 1 Nizwa Heritage Inn (in the old part of the city, a few steps from the castle), ☎ 968 9213 7335. Spartan hotel set in an ancient building. Clean rooms, shared bathrooms. The breakfast is in the building opposite and is plentiful and with a nice view over the city. If you arrive early you will also find a place in the hotel car park.
Average prices
- 2 Al Diyar Hotel, Highway 21, ☎ 968 25 412402, fax: 968 25 412405, @[email protected]. 35/55 OMR. It has wifi, swimming pool, gym and restaurant.
- 3 Falaj Daris, ☎ 968 24 410500, @[email protected]. from 58 OMR. Check in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. It has an on-site restaurant, two swimming pools, and a gym. This hotel is popular with Omanis and foreign tourists.
- 4 Majan Guest House, Highway 21, ☎ 968 25 431910.
- 5 Safari Hotel, ☎ 968 25 432150. 3 star hotel with fitness center, massages, billiards, turkish bath, outdoor swimming pool and restaurant.
Safety
The city is rather quiet and there are no specific dangers.
- 1 Nizwa Polyclinic (مجمع نزوى الصحي) (Northern suburbs of the city), ☎ 968 25 425250.
How to keep in touch
Around
- 2 Al Hoota cave (كَهْف ٱلْهُوْتَه, Kahf Al-Hūtah, Al Hutah, Al Hotta, Al Fallah, Al Falahi), Al Hoota Cave Rd (exit highway 21 towards Al Hamra), ☎ 968 24 498258 (reservation required), @[email protected]. RO 7 / 3.5 (tourists / children 6-12), RO 3.5 / 1 (Omani adults / children 6-12), free (children under 6) (Nov 2019). Sat-Thu 09: 00-13: 00, 14: 00-18: 00; Fri 09: 00-12: 00, 14: 00-18: 00. A 2.7km long cave network with a large chamber of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as an 800m long lake, which is home to a species of blind fish. There's also an on-site geological museum, as well as a café and gift shop.
- Bahla - With its magnificent fortress it is only a half hour drive west of Nizwa.
- Nearby is the ancient village of Al Hamra and the landscaping Misfah al Abriyyin which is the starting point of several hiking trails.
- Jebel Shams, with Wadi Ghul and the villages of the Saiq plateau, can be visited as day trips from Nizwa.
- Tanuf
