Al Mirani Fort, Muscat
The fortification known as Al-Mirani Fort can be found in the harbor of Old Muscat. Originally constructed before the Portuguese invasion, it was later reconstructed by the Portuguese in 1587. Notably, Al-Mirani Fort was the first to utilize cannons in Oman.
Al-Mirani Fort holds an important place in history due to its involvement in the downfall of the Portuguese. According to legend, the Portuguese commander had fallen in love with the daughter of a Hindu supplier. However, the supplier refused the match due to religious reasons. When threatened with ruin, the supplier spent a year preparing for the wedding and convinced the commander that the fort's supplies needed to be replenished. He gradually removed all of the fort's gunpowder and grain until it was defenseless. The Omani imam, Sultan Bin Saif, then retook the fort in 1649, ousting the Portuguese from Muscat soon after. Although the wedding never took place, the fort played a crucial role in the Portuguese defeat.
Al-Mirani Fort is a significant tourist attraction in Oman due to its historical importance and stunning architecture. Despite being closed to the public, its imposing presence in the harbor contributes to the iconic view of Muscat that has been captured in 19th-century lithographs.
Al-Mirani Fort holds an important place in history due to its involvement in the downfall of the Portuguese. According to legend, the Portuguese commander had fallen in love with the daughter of a Hindu supplier. However, the supplier refused the match due to religious reasons. When threatened with ruin, the supplier spent a year preparing for the wedding and convinced the commander that the fort's supplies needed to be replenished. He gradually removed all of the fort's gunpowder and grain until it was defenseless. The Omani imam, Sultan Bin Saif, then retook the fort in 1649, ousting the Portuguese from Muscat soon after. Although the wedding never took place, the fort played a crucial role in the Portuguese defeat.
Al-Mirani Fort is a significant tourist attraction in Oman due to its historical importance and stunning architecture. Despite being closed to the public, its imposing presence in the harbor contributes to the iconic view of Muscat that has been captured in 19th-century lithographs.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Muscat. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Al Mirani Fort on Map
Sight Name: Al Mirani Fort
Sight Location: Muscat, Oman (See walking tours in Muscat)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Muscat, Oman (See walking tours in Muscat)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Muscat, Oman
Create Your Own Walk in Muscat
Creating your own self-guided walk in Muscat is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Muttrah Seaside Walking Tour
Muttrah is a port district of Oman's capital and one of the most historic areas in Muscat, formerly a major commercial hub, boasting one of the largest harbors and sea ports in the region. The area is sometimes lovingly referred to as "the bride of Muscat", most likely for its traditional architecture or the stunning views of the Gulf of Oman, altogether contributing to the capital... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Old Muscat Walking Tour
Muscat – nicknamed “The Pearl of Arabia” – is the capital and largest city of Oman. The origin of the name “Muscat” is uncertain; some reckon it is derived from the Arabic word for "anchorage" or "the place of letting fall the anchor", referring to the city's location as a safe harbor for ships.
Sitting at the foot of the Al Hajar Mountains, on the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Sitting at the foot of the Al Hajar Mountains, on the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles