Rustaq Fort

قلعة الرستاق

One of Oman’s largest forts, once the capital stronghold of the Ya’rubid dynasty, forming the classic Batinah fort loop with Nakhal Fort.

قلعة الرستاق stands at the foot of the northern Hajar Mountains in Rustaq town. It was built in pre-Islamic times, and in the 17th century the Ya’rubid dynasty made it their capital and greatly expanded it. Of its four towers, the tallest is about 18 m. Inside are a mosque, living quarters, storerooms and a falaj channel that brings water into the fort. The restored fort is open to visitors. Entry costs about 0.5–1 rial, and it is open roughly 08:30–16:30. It lies about 150 km by road from Muscat and is often combined with Barka and Nakhal forts as a day loop. Nearby are the Kasfa hot springs.

Opening hours

Sat–Thu about 08:30–16:30; Fri about 08:00–11:00

Old castle · Ya'rubid dynasty · Day trip

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby

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