Muscat, Oman
Fort in the harbor of Old Muscat, Oman.
Al Jalali Fort, also called the Eastern Fort, crowns a high rock at the eastern end of Old Muscat's cove, about 45 metres above the sea, facing Al Mirani Fort across the harbour; together they guard the bay and Al Alam Palace. The Portuguese built it in 1588 under Philip I, over an earlier Omani fortification, after Muscat had twice been sacked by the Ottomans, and called it Forte de São João. Omani forces took it in 1650 under the Ya'aruba. During the civil wars of 1718 to 1747 it was twice captured by Persian forces invited in by one of the rival imams, and it was later extensively rebuilt. At times it served as a refuge or prison for members of the ruling family, and for much of the 20th century it was Oman's main prison, until the 1970s. The origin of the name is debated: from jalal, great beauty, or after a commander named Jalal. Restored in 1983, it became a museum of Omani cultural history, with cannons, old muskets, maps, rugs and artefacts, but it is reserved for official visiting dignitaries. Its floodlit towers above the water are one of the classic images of Old Muscat.
The fort is closed to the public, so admire it from the waterfront by Al Alam Palace or from the sea. It looks best in the evening when lit. Combine it with Al Alam Palace, Al Mirani Fort and Bait Al Zubair on an Old Muscat walk, or with a boat trip from Mutrah harbour.
Hours and prices change — check before you go. Source: en.wikipedia.org
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AttractionMuscat, Oman
