Barka Fort
حصن بركاء
A seaside fort on the Batinah coast, built in the 18th century about 60 km from Muscat, and the starting point of the Nakhal–Rustaq fort loop.
حصن بركاء sits on the seafront of Barka town, about 60 km west of Muscat. Construction began in the 17th–18th centuries, and it served as the stronghold from which Ahmed bin Said, founder of the Al Said dynasty, drove out the Persians. The restored fort has towers, bastions and living quarters, and you can climb to the top for views of the coast and the fish market. Entry costs about 0.5–1 rial. It is open Saturday to Thursday roughly 08:30–16:30, and on Friday roughly 08:00–11:00. Nearby are the Barka fish market and the traditional Friday bull-butting contests. It can be combined with Nakhal Fort as a day trip.
Opening hours
Sat–Thu about 08:30–16:30; Fri about 08:00–11:00
Nearby sights
- Daymaniyat Islands
- Nakhal Fort
- Ain Thowarah Hot Springs
- Amouage Perfumery & Visitor Centre
- Al Mouj Marina
- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
- Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque
- Rustaq Fort