[OMAN] Bahla Fort

Bahla Fort, one of the largest and oldest fort in Oman, is also Oman’s only UNESCO-listed fort. Although it is not as popular as Nizwa fort among tourist, it is definitely well worth a visit while in Oman.

Bahla Fort is located in Bahla and is less than two hours away by car from Muscat. From Nizwa, Bahla Fort is just 30 minutes drive.



The Bahla Fort was closed on the first day of Eid holidays but was open on the second day of Eid Holidays during my visit. Take note that during Ramadan, opening hours is Saturday to Thursday: 9am to 2pm and Friday: 8am to 11am.

Normal opening hours of Bahla Fort: Saturday to Thursday (9am to 4pm) and Friday (8am to 11am).

So if you are visiting Bahla Fort on a Friday, bear in mind that the opening hours are shorter and it only opens in the morning.



Bahla Fort is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site on 11 December 1987.



Bahla Fort is believed to have been built by the Banu Nebhan tribe between the 12th to the 15th centuries when they occupied this region of Oman and made Bahla their capital.



The original construction was made of mud and straw bricks cooked at very high temperatures.



Rain erosion damaged the structure so severely that UNESCO has classed the fort as “In Danger” in 1988 until the restoration work launched under the Omani government had managed to stop the effects of the rain with replacement of roofs and etc.



It was finally reopened in 2012 after the massive restoration or rather renovation as the fort now looks brand new.



Bahla Fort complex is made of three elements: the fort, a citadel oasis and an ancient city wall that stretches over 13 kilometres long.



Part of the ancient wall is destroyed or altered due to nearby construction.



Defensive Tower of Bahla Fort.



There are three main parts inside the fort. Bait Al Jabah was erected in 18th century.



Bait Al Hadith is a new house built during Ya'riba dynasty.



The oldest part of the fort is Al Qasabah (citadel).








Bahla Fort is a maze of rooms and passages. Unfortunately, most rooms are not labelled and are left empty, and we could only guess what it was used for.







Courtyard Mosque.



The oasis outside the fort is irrigated by the falaj system of groundwater sources and by management of the seasonal rain.



Bahla Fort is a great example of historic Omani architecture. The compound is big. If you want to explore each and every room, it may take you two hours. But for a quick tour, half an hour to one hour is sufficient to see the highlights of the fort.

Bahla Fort
Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday (9am to 4pm) and Friday (8am to 11am).