Places to visit in Oman: Nizwa Fort, Mutra Souq, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and more - in pictures

  • Nizwa Fort in Nizwa, Oman. All pictures: Victor Besa / The National
    Nizwa Fort in Nizwa, Oman. All pictures: Victor Besa / The National
  • It was built in the 1650s by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'rubi.
    It was built in the 1650s by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'rubi.
  • It is Oman's most visited national monument.
    It is Oman's most visited national monument.
  • Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'rubi was the second of the Ya'rubi dynasty of imams.
    Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'rubi was the second of the Ya'rubi dynasty of imams.
  • The fort's underlying structure dates back to the 12th century.
    The fort's underlying structure dates back to the 12th century.
  • Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Amri Trading. The souq has different parts depending on what you want to shop for.
    Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Amri Trading. The souq has different parts depending on what you want to shop for.
  • In the mornings you will see locals buying vegetables and meat. The rest of the souq sells unique souvenirs like taqiya caps, lamps and fresh dates.
    In the mornings you will see locals buying vegetables and meat. The rest of the souq sells unique souvenirs like taqiya caps, lamps and fresh dates.
  • Located near the castle, the souq offers a glimpse of old Oman.
    Located near the castle, the souq offers a glimpse of old Oman.
  • A shop owner brings out his wares. Some sections of the souq have retained its ancient architecture and unrenovated structures.
    A shop owner brings out his wares. Some sections of the souq have retained its ancient architecture and unrenovated structures.
  • Masjid Al Rasool Al A'dham at Mutrah Fish Market.
    Masjid Al Rasool Al A'dham at Mutrah Fish Market.
  • The fish market stretches along the Mutrah waterfront in Muscat. Omani fishermen arrive early to unload, prepare and then sell their day’s catch.
    The fish market stretches along the Mutrah waterfront in Muscat. Omani fishermen arrive early to unload, prepare and then sell their day’s catch.
  • The Mutrah Souq is located along the corniche in Muscat.
    The Mutrah Souq is located along the corniche in Muscat.
  • It is one of the oldest souqs on the Arabian Peninsula.
    It is one of the oldest souqs on the Arabian Peninsula.
  • However, the souq was rebuilt in the 1970s.
    However, the souq was rebuilt in the 1970s.
  • Jamal Muhammad Ali Al Balooshi, shopowner at Mutrah Souq.
    Jamal Muhammad Ali Al Balooshi, shopowner at Mutrah Souq.
  • Mutrah Corniche in Muscat.
    Mutrah Corniche in Muscat.
  • A shopper at Mutrah Souq.
    A shopper at Mutrah Souq.
  • Another person browses at Mutrah Souq.
    Another person browses at Mutrah Souq.
  • Oman's Royal Opera House of Musical Arts in Muscat.
    Oman's Royal Opera House of Musical Arts in Muscat.
  • The 'Oman and the World: A Musical Journey Exhibition' at the opera house.
    The 'Oman and the World: A Musical Journey Exhibition' at the opera house.
  • A person looking around the exhibition.
    A person looking around the exhibition.
  • A restaurant that looks like a fort, located along Sultan Qaboos Street in Muscat.
    A restaurant that looks like a fort, located along Sultan Qaboos Street in Muscat.
  • Mandi, made with Omani samar wood.
    Mandi, made with Omani samar wood.
  • The Rozna restaurant is known for serving the best authentic Omani food in Muscat.
    The Rozna restaurant is known for serving the best authentic Omani food in Muscat.
  • The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat. The chandelier sits 14 metres above the praying hall.
    The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat. The chandelier sits 14 metres above the praying hall.
  • In 1992, Qaboos bin Said Al Said, then Sultan of Oman, ordered the building of the grand mosque.
    In 1992, Qaboos bin Said Al Said, then Sultan of Oman, ordered the building of the grand mosque.
  • The chandelier was manufactured by the Italian company Faustig.
    The chandelier was manufactured by the Italian company Faustig.
  • Khalifa Nasser Al Maskery, 70, has been a volunteer tour guide at the mosque for more than eight years.
    Khalifa Nasser Al Maskery, 70, has been a volunteer tour guide at the mosque for more than eight years.
  • A competition for the mosque's design took place in 1993.
    A competition for the mosque's design took place in 1993.
  • Construction started in December 1994.
    Construction started in December 1994.
  • The chandelier used to be the world's largest, before being replaced by one at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
    The chandelier used to be the world's largest, before being replaced by one at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi.