Although museums do their job of properly displaying Omani heritage, Al Jalali Fort stands as a testament to the splendor of Omani heritage like no other. Tourists and royalty alike travel to learn the lessons of the cultural heritage this fort has to offer. A prominent guest book at the entrance keeps the names of everyone who has visited this fortress and what their impressions of it are. Al Jalali Fort remains one of the most popular and prominent examples of Omani fortifications. Perched atop high mountains, the fort is home to spectacular views of Muscat and the surrounding harbor. The Sultan’s Al Alam Palace is also visible from the top of the Al Jalali walls.
Al Jalali Fort is considered to be the twin of Al Mirani Fort. In a bygone era, it was the first line of defense for the city of Muscat against marauders. Combined, the two forts made Muscat almost impenetrable. The original part of the castle was originally built by an occupying Portuguese army in the 16th century. Although there is some debate as to what the original structure looked like, it is generally thought to have been a hastily built post to keep watch for the Persian naval forces threatening to invade at the time. After Omani forces in 1650 recaptured their homeland, new additions of walls and towers allowed Al Jalali Fort to assume the appearance it has today.
The traces of the Portuguese influence in the construction of the fort are almost imperceptible today. Sultan Oaboos provided money for the fort to be renovated and restored into the glorious monument it is today. Surrounded by an imposing wall on all sides, the only possible entrance to Al Jalali Fort is through the port. A precarious flight of rocky stairs leads up the side of a cliff to its gates. Once one has entered the fort, the spectacular views leave visitors in awe.
Many of the cannons and other firearms that were used to defend the fort in its heyday have been preserved to enhance the fort’s bloody history. Cannon heads can still be seen poking out of the cannon windows, and various types of muskets and pistols adorn the interior walls of the fort. Another prized artifact on display is a painting depicting Muscat at the time of the Portuguese occupation. In the center of the fort is a strangely quiet and beautiful courtyard. It is a small oasis in the middle of a building that keeps so much martial and military history.
Off the patio are the entrances to several rooms. One of these rooms was rumored to be the fort’s prison in its heyday. The fort is also home to a myriad of towers and stairways. The main purpose of this maze-like feature was to further confuse the enemy should he breach the fort’s outer defenses. For those who are visiting for the first time or for those who have already seen the splendor of this fortification, the Al Jalali Fort in Oman offers new discoveries for everyone.