Al Qala'a Mosque

Nizwa


Nizwa was once a major centre for Islamic scholarship, and two aged mosques, among the oldest in the world, have survived since the early 7th century. Nestled up against the souq and the fort, the mosque (closed to non-Muslims) forms part of a fine ensemble of buildings in the middle of the town.

If you're wondering why no one builds on the empty ground in front of the mosque, it's because (however unlikely it may seem in this hot and arid location) this is an active wadi that flows with mountain water several times in a year.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Nizwa attractions

1. Nizwa Fort

0.05 MILES

Built over 12 years in the 17th century by Sultan Bin Saif Al Yaruba, the first imam of the Yaruba dynasty, Nizwa Fort is famed for its distinctive 40m…

2. Nizwa Souq

0.12 MILES

The site of one of the oldest souqs in the country, this extensive marketplace is dedicated mostly to fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, all of which…

3. Livestock Market

0.18 MILES

If you’re not put off by the smell of heaving bulls and irritable goats, the livestock souq is well worth a look. The livestock market occupies a small…

4. Falaj Daris Park

2.91 MILES

At 7990m in length, Falaj Daris is one of the biggest irrigation channels in Oman and one of six such channels in Oman collectively honoured as a Unesco…

5. Nizwa Gateway

3.84 MILES

This grand double-arched gateway straddles Hwy 21, along the original Muscat–Nizwa road. The watchtowers that form the uprights of the gateway seem aged,…

6. Bait Al Radidah

8.66 MILES

Renovated but as yet closed to visitors, the attractive 17th-century fort is much photographed as it is perfectly framed against the massif of Jebel…

7. Old Village

8.86 MILES

This crumbling old quarter is loosely strewn over the hill behind modern Birkat Al Mawz and makes a fascinating place to wander around. Some…

8. Old Village

9.04 MILES

This tiny hamlet was bombed in 1954 during a military campaign to suppress the imamate rebellion against the sultan. Abandoned old Tanuf now lies in…

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