Muscat, Oman
Fort in Oman
Al Mirani Fort stands on a rock at the western end of Old Muscat's cove, opposite Al Jalali Fort. A fort existed here before the Portuguese arrived, and they rebuilt it in 1587; it is said to be the first fort in Oman to use cannon. In 1552 an Ottoman fleet besieged it for eighteen days, hauling a gun onto a ridge above it until it fell and its defences were destroyed. At the foot of the rock the Portuguese built a dock and a sea-level bastion in 1610, with low batteries to stop boats slipping in beneath the guns of the upper fort, and a Portuguese inscription is carved on the south-east wall. The Portuguese governor sometimes lived here in the hottest months. After the Portuguese were expelled it became one of the key forts of the Ya'aruba and Al Busaidi rulers in defending Muscat. Today it is a museum closed to the public, but its towers and stepped stone walls over the rocks are clearly visible from around Al Alam Palace, a key part of the scene that makes Old Muscat one of the most beautiful harbours in the Gulf.
It is not open to visitors, so enjoy it from outside, especially from the square in front of Al Alam Palace and the road towards Bait Al Zubair. Late afternoon and after sunset, when it is lit, are best. Photography from outside is fine; respect the security zones around the palace.
Hours and prices change — check before you go. Source: en.wikipedia.org
No reviews yet
Share your experience and help other travellers decide.
AttractionMuscat, Oman
