Ive been always fond of forts and the way it stands in nature showing the power of hand made buildings that used to protect cities in the past.

Am not sure of the figure BUT i think there are over 500 forst and castles in Oman...??
which reflects much great civilization and in every fort /castle there is a wonderful story

Al Jalali and AL MIRANI
These two are one of my favorite forts/sites to visit whenever am in the Old Muscat area. specialy the Mirani one.

heres some Info about these two forts....ENJOY


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Al-Mirani Fort
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Al Jalali Fort
Flanking His Majesty the Sultan's Al-Alam Palace, the so-called Twin Forts: Al-Jalali and Al-Mirani, in conjunction with the veritable defences of the Fort of Muttrah and a host of fortified structures and watchtowers along the rocky ridges of the bay, made Muscat virtually impregnable. They collectively supplemented the old city's natural defences offered by the massed rows of rocky hills fringing the bay.

The forts were originally built by Portuguese in the early of the 16th century, and more fortifications and towers were added towards the latter half of the century. Upon the edifice's capture by victorious Omani forces in 1650 AD, the Forts were gradually rebuilt and strengthened to take their present form. Now, proud monuments of that glorious era of Omani gallantry and its martial heritage, the forts resemble a grand museum set in an authentic, but grandiose ambience.

Called as well the 'Western Fort', Mirani soars a notch above Al Jalali fort, towering above the surrounding landscape. From its pinnacle, there are breathtaking views of the harbour, as well as the entire old city in the protective embrace of the surrounding mountains. it was built in 1587

Barring a few watchtowers atop their craggy summits, no other man-made structure appears to soar higher than the Mirani.Like Al Jalali fort, the present Mirani edifice was built on the ruins of an Omani fortification. Following the Portuguese conquest of Muscat in the 15th and 16th centuries, the structure was bolstered in tune with advances in military warfare of those times, especially in cannon warfare.

A formidable wall almost a metre thick runs around the fort, supplementing the natural defences offered by the rocky outcrop on which it stands.In fact, the structure was built along the contours of the outcrop, with the main fortification resting on the summit of the outcrop.

the fort has myriad rooms and a maze of stairways, all aimed at confounding the enemy if the initial defences were breached. For the first-time visitor, the fort can be as perplexing and intriguing as a rabbit's warren.One key feature of Mirani is a giant tower quite distinct from the main structure that telescopes skywards.
Access into the fort is either by a spiral stairway leading to various levels, or an electric elevator. There are two circular towers at the diagonal ends of the fort, both at different heights. Another tower, almost semi-circular in shape, rises above the rest of the fort and dominates the surrounding landscape. From here, there are delectable views of the waterfront with the ships either at anchorage on steaming out on the horizon.

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Ancient passageway leading out of the fort

Inside are some fine relics of Omani history and its martial heritage. There is a 17th century Omani sword, which is said to cut sharply when vibrated, besides an English-made Martin Henry gun of 1871-vintage. Also on display is an Omani wick gun of 18th century vintage, found in Nizwa, and an English-made double-barrel shotgun dating back to 1864.Preserved in glass showcases is a variety of Omani silver jewellery like brooches, necklaces, amulets and anklets, including a finely designed Mazrad or necklace lined with Maria Theresa coins which were in currency then.

There is also a warrior's shield of rhino skin, apparently made in 1837, and an exquisitely filigreed pair of silver tweezers that were used to extract thorns from the feet.Adorning the walls of the museum are enlarged black-and-white photographs of Muscat harbour, offering a rare insight into life in the harbour in its heyday. One photograph featured large ships belching smoke from tall smokestacks.Other interesting exhibits are a silver gunpowder horn called Talahiq, used by young boys as an ornament behind the neck.
This rare antique, made in the 19th century, was discovered in Al Rustaq. Right in the heart of the fort, tamarind trees grow in small courtyards, apart from a few other trees, adding an enlivening touch to the fortification. Tiled terraces are found at every level, while those along the summit of the fort are with battlemented perimeter walls. Many cannon ports are now glassed in with windows, but the formidability of the edifice looks hardly diminished without the cannons. According to published accounts, Mirani boasted an arsenal of cannons which, outside situations of conflict, were routinely sounded in greeting to passing ships or when vessels tried to sneak into the harbour without permission.

The cannons were also fired at sunrise and at dusk to announce the opening and closing of the gates into the walled city of Muscat.Brass cannons can still be found at the entrance to the fort which stands testimony to the role cannons played in the defence of the fort and harbour. The rounded towers and walls were built to withstand the pounding of enemy cannonfire. Many arched doorways inside the fort are still barred by heavy wooden doors, studded with iron spikes.

links:
-http://www.omanet.om/english/tourism/regions/muscat1.asp?cat=tour&subcat=reg
- Oman observer

Al Jalali Fort is now a grand museum set in an authentic, but grandiose ambience, befitting such visitors like royalty, heads of state and other foreign dignitaries. It was built in 1588 AD. (just one year after Al Mirani..its twin) and its around one hundred and fifty feet above ground level.

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Originally built by Portuguese occupying forces in the early part of the 16th century, Al Jalali Fort went through a series of transformations in design and fortification. According to published accounts, the original structure was just a functional fortification built into the side of the outcrop on which it currently stands. It was hastily built partly because of persistent threats from Persian naval forces seeking to dislodge the Portuguese from their stronghold in Muscat.

Towards the latter half of the 16th century, new fortifications and towers were added.But, upon the edifice's capture by victorious Omani forces in 1650, Al Jalali Fort was gradually rebuilt and strengthened to take its present form. Some Portuguese inscriptions, among a few other features, are the only vestigial traces of Portuguese involvement in the fort. Painstaking restoration work initiated after His Majesty Sultan Qaboos assumed power has since endowed the fort with its present grandeur.



Al Jalali's invincible character is partly accentuated by the formidable wall that skirts the perimeter of the edifice. Access is possible only from the harbour side, by a flight of steep, rocky steps leading into the heart of the fort. A giant inscription in Arabic, at the foot of the stairs, bears the legend 'Al Jalali Fort, Built 1587'. (An improvised cable car now facilitates the transfer of men and material into the fort.)Once inside, the fort's grandiose ambience is revealed in full measure. From the terraces and the towers, there are stunning vistas of Muscat bay and the old city including Mirani fort and His Majesty's Palace.

The waters around are a glorious turquoise while a small stretch of private beach adjoining the fort attracts sea birds. On a rocky outcrop facing the fort are scrawled the names of ships that called at Muscat down the ages — testimony of the port's importance in maritime history. Only the intrepid could have scaled the sheer faces of the outcrop to record for posterity his ship's visit to Muscat. Among Al Jalali Fort’s most interesting facets is a cavernous enclosure that once served as the edifice's bulwark against seaborne attack. It overlooks the expanse of the harbour, bringing within its purview every manner of enemy craft.
Much of the formidable firepower of that era has been preserved as part of the fort's martial heritage — a battery of cannons on sturdy mounts peering through gun ports, complete with cannon shot, tow ropes and implements used to fire the guns.Ancient muskets and matchlocks adorn the walls, as well as maps and illustrations that offer a rare insight into maritime life before the advent of modern shipping and navigation. Also on display is a rare illustration depicting Portuguese possessions in Muscat.
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There is also a valuable artist's rendition of the port of Mombasa and other erstwhile Omani possessions in East Africa. Another wall plaque charts wind and water currents in Muscat bay, which was once vital for navigation within the harbour. The array of illustrations, in fact, opens a fascinating window on life in Muscat in pre-modern times.Right in the heart of the fort is a multi-tiered courtyard, mellowing the otherwise menacing ambience of the structure. Many bedam and sidr trees grow here, while an improvised falaj runs through the courtyard, gurgling with the goodness of water.



The courtyard leads to several rooms and enclosures built at different levels. One such windowless room, we are told, once served as a prison in the fort's heyday.An interesting feature of the fort's design is the maze of stairways that lead to the structure's myriad rooms and towers. The network of stairways appears more designed to confound enemy forces that may succeed in breaking through the first line of defences.

Heavy wooden doors with iron spikes bar access to strategic parts of the fort, aimed at impeding the progress of the enemy through the gauntlet of other defences. Also in the fort is a well-preserved room bristling with beautiful specimens of ancient Omani culture and heritage. The room features a palm-log ceiling and inscriptions on the walls. Notable among the items on display here are a pair of royal wooden slippers with silver studs, and an authentic animal skin water-carrier.One memorable highlight of the fort is its splendid dining hall overlooking the courtyard. Up to six dignitaries can dine in royal style around a huge, intricately carved Arabic foodtray.


Mounted on the ceiling is a remarkably preserved breeze-maker which, by his side-to-side fanning action, ensures a measure of coolness in the room. (The rather rare device has since been motorised, yet still imparts an authentic ambience around the dining hall.)But Al Jalali's royal splendour can best be relished during a visit to a museum located high up in the central square-shaped tower of the fort. Richly furnished majlis-style, with Oriental carpets and fluffy pillows, this museum houses some of the finest examples of Omani heritage. It is here that visiting dignitaries are offered a memorable glimpse of Oman's heritage and culture.

A light-and-sound show — son-et-lumiere style — captures the substance and spirit of the Sultanate's varied crafts. As a recorded voice outlines the variety and richness of Omani heritage, the artefacts and exhibits in this museum are progressively backlighted. The room is bathed in different shades and hues, almost animating the variety of objects on display here. There are pots from Bahla, shaped by potters who inherited the secrets of their craft from their forebears.

Likewise, there are fine examples of rug weaving from Ibri, and metalwork from Muttrah, Nizwa and Rustaq.Omani necklaces, pendants and earrings are another attraction. Also on display are cannons, muskets, ceremonial weapons and a variety of khanjars, besides a range of traditional household utensils, incense burners and coffeepots. The rose-water sprinklers are richly ornamented with designs and motifs.
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Links of Sources:
http://www.omantourism.gov.om/Topics/Attractions/Castles.htm



nizwa.net.

Though I have been in that area many times. But, never gave these two forts a visit. It would be cool to get closer.

Though I have been in that area many times. But, never gave these two forts a visit. It would be cool to get closer.The best thing is to let the fort's guide lead you through the different areas in ..
MAN they Will start telling stories about for every single site/crack/stone in the fort.... AMAZING!!! and very informative!

oh my god! i promise myself inshalla ill visit those 2 forts this summer ....

the forts are amazing was able to visit them during my years at school really something nice anyone who hasn't should really go

isnt al mirani a militry base? I think we can only visit al jalali which is niceeeeeeee

isnt al mirani a militry base? I think we can only visit al jalali which is niceeeeeeeei think I heard about this before BUT am not sure!