Bahla is a city that will surprise and delight you with its rich history, culture, and heritage. Located in the heart of Oman, Bahla is one of the oldest and most important cities in the country, dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. It is also home to one of the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Oman, the magnificent Bahla Fort, which stands as a testament to the city’s strategic and architectural prowess.
But Bahla is not just about its fort. It is also famous for its pottery, souq, and legends, which reflect the city’s creativity, diversity, and mystique. Whether you are interested in art, history, or culture, Bahla has something for everyone. In this guide, we will show you the best things to see and do in Bahla, as well as some tips and tricks to make the most of your visit. Let’s get started!
Bahla Fort: A Majestic Monument of History and Architecture
The first thing that will catch your eye in Bahla is the imposing Bahla Fort, the largest and oldest fort in Oman and one of the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country. The fort covers an area of 112,000 square meters and is surrounded by a 12-kilometer long wall, making it one of the most impressive and complex fortifications in the world.
The fort was built in several stages, starting from the pre-Islamic era and continuing until the 18th century. It was the seat of power of the Banu Nebhan tribe, who ruled over Oman and parts of the Arabian Peninsula from the 12th to the 15th century. The fort also played a key role in the resistance against the Portuguese invasion in the 16th and 17th centuries.
The fort consists of several parts, such as the walls, towers, gates, mosques, and houses, each with its own function and style. The most notable features of the fort are the Friday Mosque, which has a unique mihrab (prayer niche) decorated with geometric patterns, the Falaj System, which is an ancient irrigation system that supplies water to the fort and the surrounding farms, and the Bahla Oasis, which is a lush green area with palm trees, date plantations, and gardens.
The fort is also associated with many legends and stories, some of which involve magic and sorcery. According to local folklore, the fort was built by a jinn (a supernatural being) in one night, and it is still inhabited by jinns and other spirits. Some people believe that the fort has a secret tunnel that leads to the nearby Jabrin Castle, and that the fort can change its shape and size depending on the time of day and the mood of the jinns.
The fort is open to visitors from Saturday to Thursday, from 9 am to 4 pm, and on Friday, from 8 am to 11 am. The entrance fee is 0.5 Omani rials (about 1.3 USD) for adults and 0.2 Omani rials (about 0.5 USD) for children. You can also hire a guide for an additional fee, or use the audio guide that is available in several languages. Make sure to dress modestly and respectfully, as the fort is a cultural and religious site.
Bahla Pottery: A Unique and Vibrant Art Form
Another reason to visit Bahla is to witness and appreciate its pottery, one of the most distinctive and renowned forms of handicrafts in Oman and the region. Bahla pottery is known for its quality, variety, and beauty, and it reflects the city’s culture and heritage.
Bahla pottery is made from a special type of clay that is found only in Bahla and its surroundings. The clay is mixed with water and kneaded by hand, then shaped into various forms, such as jars, bowls, plates, and vases. The pottery is then dried in the sun, fired in a kiln, and glazed with different colors and patterns. The colors and patterns are inspired by the natural environment, the Islamic art, and the local traditions of Bahla.
Bahla pottery is used for various purposes, such as storing water, food, perfume, and incense, as well as for decoration and gifts. Some of the pottery is also believed to have magical or medicinal properties, such as protecting against evil eye, curing diseases, or enhancing fertility.
You can see and buy Bahla pottery in the city’s souq, or visit one of the many pottery workshops that are scattered around the city. You can also watch the potters at work, and learn about their skills and techniques. Some of the workshops even offer pottery classes, where you can try your hand at making your own pottery.
Bahla Souq: A Lively and Authentic Market Experience
If you want to experience the authentic and vibrant atmosphere of Bahla, you should not miss its souq, one of the oldest and most traditional markets in Oman and a great place to shop, eat, and mingle. The souq is located in the center of the city, near the fort, and it is open every day from 7 am to 1 pm, and from 4 pm to 9 pm.
The souq is divided into several sections, each selling different products and services. You can find everything from pottery, textiles, spices, dates, honey, coffee, and halwa (a sweet delicacy), to barbers, tailors, carpenters, and blacksmiths. The souq is also a hub for social and cultural activities, such as festivals, celebrations, and performances.
The best time to visit the souq is in the morning or evening, when the market is bustling with activity and energy. You can also visit the souq on Fridays, when it hosts a special livestock market, where you can see and buy animals such as goats, sheep, camels, and cows.
The best way to visit the souq is by walking, as you can explore the narrow alleys and stalls, and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the market. You can also interact with the friendly and hospitable vendors, who will gladly tell you about their products and stories. Don’t forget to bargain, as it is part of the fun and tradition of the souq.
Nearby Attractions: More Places to Explore and Discover
One of the advantages of visiting Bahla is that it is close to many other attractions that are worth seeing and experiencing. Oman is a country that offers a lot of diversity and beauty, from historical and cultural sites, to natural and scenic wonders. Here are some of the main attractions and activities that are within a short drive from Bahla:
Jabrin Castle:
A stunning and well-preserved castle that was built in the 17th century by the Yaruba dynasty. The castle is famous for its exquisite architecture and decoration, such as the carved wooden ceilings, the painted walls, and the intricate windows. The castle also has a museum that displays the history and culture of Oman, as well as a library that contains rare manuscripts and books. The castle is open from Saturday to Thursday, from 9 am to 4 pm, and on Friday, from 8 am to 11 am. The entrance fee is 0.5 Omani rials (about 1.3 USD) for adults and 0.2 Omani rials (about 0.5 USD) for children.
Nizwa Fort:
A massive and impressive fort that was built in the 17th century by the Yaruba dynasty. The fort is known for its huge circular tower, which is 24 meters high and 36 meters wide, and has 24 openings for cannons. The fort also has a museum that showcases the history and heritage of Oman, as well as a souq that sells handicrafts, silverware, and antiques. The fort is open from Saturday to Thursday, from 9 am to 4 pm, and on Friday, from 8 am to 11 am. The entrance fee is 0.5 Omani rials (about 1.3 USD) for adults and 0.2 Omani rials (about 0.5 USD) for children.
Misfat al Abriyeen:
A charming and picturesque village that is perched on a hillside, overlooking a valley and a palm grove. The village is known for its traditional mud houses, its falaj system, and its agricultural terraces, which produce fruits, vegetables, and dates. The village also has a guesthouse, where you can stay and experience the authentic and rustic life of the villagers. The village is open to visitors every day, from 6 am to 6 pm. There is no entrance fee, but you are expected to respect the privacy and customs of the locals.
Al Hoota Cave:
A natural and spectacular cave that is located at the foot of Jebel Shams, the highest mountain in Oman. The cave is estimated to be over 2 million years old, and it contains a variety of formations, such as stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and curtains. The cave also has an underground lake, which is home to rare and endemic species, such as the blind fish and the blind crab. The cave is open from Saturday to Thursday, from 9 am to 6 pm, and on Friday, from 9 am to 12 pm, and from 2 pm to 6 pm. The entrance fee is 6.5 Omani rials about 1.3 USD) for adults and 3.5 Omani rials (about 9.1 USD) for children.
Jebel Shams:
A majestic and scenic mountain that is the highest peak in Oman, at 3,028 meters above sea level. The mountain is known for its stunning views, its cool climate, and its hiking trails, which range from easy to challenging. The most popular trail is the Balcony Walk, which follows the edge of a canyon and offers spectacular vistas of the landscape. The mountain also has a resort, where you can stay and enjoy the facilities, such as the swimming pool, the restaurant, and the campfire. The mountain is open to visitors every day, from 6 am to 6 pm. There is no entrance fee, but you need a 4x4 vehicle to access the mountain.
You have reached the end of our guide to Bahla, Oman’s ancient oasis of culture and heritage. We hope you have enjoyed learning about this fascinating and unique city, and its attractions, history, and legends. We also hope you have found some inspiration and tips to plan your trip to Bahla, and to explore its nearby attractions.
Bahla is a city that will captivate you with its charm, beauty, and diversity. Whether you are looking for adventure, culture, or relaxation, Bahla has something for everyone. It is a city that will make you feel the magic and mystery of Oman, and its rich and diverse heritage.
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