Muttrah Fort

Muttrah Fort sits on the rugged hills above Mutrah Corniche, and its round towers look down over the old harbour. The Portuguese built the first fort here in the 1580s to watch over the harbour, and Omani rulers of the Ya'ruba dynasty later rebuilt and strengthened it between the 17th and 18th centuries to guard the port and the town below. Its position made it a key part of the defences of Mutrah, the old port town where the souq and harbour still sit today.

The fort has three circular towers: a large central tower and two smaller ones to the west and north. A visit means climbing up through courtyards, stairways and walkways between the towers, with the views getting better at each level. From the top you look straight down onto the corniche, the roofs of the souq, the dhows and ships in Port Sultan Qaboos and the rugged hills that wrap around the bay. It is the best single viewpoint in Mutrah and a good way to understand how the old trading town fits between the mountains and the sea.

The national tourism site lists opening hours of 8am to 11pm every day, and an entry fee applies, with lower rates for residents and children. Allow 45 minutes to an hour. Late afternoon is the most rewarding time to come, as the low sun lights up the corniche and you can stay on for the evening lights. In the summer months, avoid the middle of the day, as the stairs and walls hold the heat.

Accessibility is limited in some sections, as you would expect from a hilltop fort, and the climb involves steps, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Older children usually enjoy the towers, but keep a close eye on younger ones near the edges. Photographers should bring a wide lens for the panorama over the bay.

The fort is reached from the corniche road in Mutrah, a short taxi ride from Old Muscat or around 20 to 30 minutes from the Qurum hotels, depending on traffic. It fits naturally into an afternoon in Mutrah: browse the souq, walk the corniche, climb the fort for sunset, then have dinner at one of the restaurants along the waterfront.