Nizwa Fort and Souq

Nizwa, once the capital of Oman and long a centre of trade, learning and Islamic scholarship, is the historic heart of the country's mountainous interior. Its landmark is a mighty seventeenth-century fort, dominated by an enormous round defensive tower climbed for sweeping views over the town and its date palms. Beside it lies an atmospheric restored souq, famed for silver jewellery, khanjar daggers, pottery and, on Friday mornings, a lively traditional goat and cattle market.

What you actually see

• Nizwa Fort - the mighty fort and its great round tower.
• The souq - the market of silver, daggers, pottery and crafts.
• The Friday goat market - the lively traditional livestock auction.
• The date plantations - the palm groves and falaj water channels.

When to go

October to April for pleasant weather; the famous goat market takes place on Friday mornings, so time a visit for then and go early, as it starts at dawn and winds down by mid-morning. It is an easy trip or stop from Muscat.

Honest expectations

The famous Friday goat market is early, starting around dawn and finishing by mid-morning, so it needs an early start, and it is a genuine, sometimes chaotic livestock auction, not a show. The souq is more restored and tourist-friendly than a raw working market. It is an easy and rewarding trip from Muscat, best combined with the nearby forts and mountains.

Nearby

The forts of Bahla and Jabrin, Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams are nearby.