Al Hazm Castle
Al Hazm Castle
4.5
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4.5
99 reviews
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Ravi Yadav
Ar Rustaq, Oman7 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
Al hazm castle is an amazing view of Omani History- Must visit. For old aged person, it may be bit difficult to reach up to top floor, however they can enjoy put their comfort level. Very peaceful and gives amazing view of Rustaq city from top. It gives a glimpse of Omani traditions and history.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kasejason
Chicago, IL357 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
During a recent trip to Oman, my wife and I visited several different forts (sometimes called castles). Each one has its own charms that set it apart from the others. Because there are so many available, it can be difficult to choose which ones to visit given a limited time frame. In the case of Al Hazm, I would classify the castle as being exceptionally fun to explore.
The fort has all of the usual rooms that one will encounter in a typical Omani fort. What helps to differentiate Al Hazm is that it also has secret passageways that you can explore. At one point during our visit, we came upon a strange staircase leading upwards to a little door. The door was only a few feet tall and not very wide. When we opened it, we discovered that it led to a secret tunnel between two roof areas. This tunnel was illuminated with colorful light to help give the feeling of mystery. Other parts of the fort included dark passageways sometimes leading to small rooms and windows. It would certainly help to bring a flashlight to assist you in your exploration of these dark areas.
In general, this fort is well maintained and includes signs informing you of the purpose of each room. There are speakers in some of the rooms that give you a feel for what you might have heard at the fort when it was in use. There are also mannequins at different places displaying where people would have been stationed within the fort. These are nice touches that add to the educational value of the experience.
There are two additional elements to the fort that help to further set it apart from the others. First, the falaj has water flowing through it and contains small fish. While we did see falaj in other castles, this is the only one we encountered with actual water. Secondly, this fort includes a "Jinn Room" wherein a supernatural being supposedly resides. This room includes some interesting lighting and sound effects that could potentially frighten small children but would otherwise amuse a casual visitor.
The fort itself is not too big and can easily be explored in an hour or two. The entry cost is very affordable at 500 baisas per person (1/2 a Rial). There is ample free parking in front of the fort and there are brown signs leading the way through the town. The bathrooms are quite nice and the gentlemen working the admission are polite and helpful. They offered us dates and coffee when we left. We did not partake in either, so I'm not sure what the cost would have been, but it's nice to know that they are available. All in all, this fort makes for a great first or last attraction along the Rustaq Loop. If you have the time, you should certainly stop by for a look.
The fort has all of the usual rooms that one will encounter in a typical Omani fort. What helps to differentiate Al Hazm is that it also has secret passageways that you can explore. At one point during our visit, we came upon a strange staircase leading upwards to a little door. The door was only a few feet tall and not very wide. When we opened it, we discovered that it led to a secret tunnel between two roof areas. This tunnel was illuminated with colorful light to help give the feeling of mystery. Other parts of the fort included dark passageways sometimes leading to small rooms and windows. It would certainly help to bring a flashlight to assist you in your exploration of these dark areas.
In general, this fort is well maintained and includes signs informing you of the purpose of each room. There are speakers in some of the rooms that give you a feel for what you might have heard at the fort when it was in use. There are also mannequins at different places displaying where people would have been stationed within the fort. These are nice touches that add to the educational value of the experience.
There are two additional elements to the fort that help to further set it apart from the others. First, the falaj has water flowing through it and contains small fish. While we did see falaj in other castles, this is the only one we encountered with actual water. Secondly, this fort includes a "Jinn Room" wherein a supernatural being supposedly resides. This room includes some interesting lighting and sound effects that could potentially frighten small children but would otherwise amuse a casual visitor.
The fort itself is not too big and can easily be explored in an hour or two. The entry cost is very affordable at 500 baisas per person (1/2 a Rial). There is ample free parking in front of the fort and there are brown signs leading the way through the town. The bathrooms are quite nice and the gentlemen working the admission are polite and helpful. They offered us dates and coffee when we left. We did not partake in either, so I'm not sure what the cost would have been, but it's nice to know that they are available. All in all, this fort makes for a great first or last attraction along the Rustaq Loop. If you have the time, you should certainly stop by for a look.
Written April 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
68bushlodge
Muscat, Oman43 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
I was most pleasantly surprised. I've lived in Oman for 12 years and when i first arrived the fort was closed for renovations. What an incredible experience....Traditional Kalwa on arrival with the traditional dates.....very pleasant staff who greet you on arrival. the guided walking tour is at your own pace....the machine allows you to walk at your own pace and to click the button to listen once you've reached the next number....was a wonderful find. A definite visit for anyone visiting the region.
Written April 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ahmed A
Seeb, Oman1 contribution
Amazing castle..this castle was build by al-emam sultan bin saif who ruled Oman 400years ago. Sultan bin saif kicked out Portuguese out of oman and also followed them in south east Africa and in India also
Written May 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
avsh
Thrissur, India57 contributions
Jul 2013 • Couples
Having spent over 4 decades in Oman, my recent visit to Oman was a reminder of how nice my stay was in this beautiful country. The rulers Sultan Qaboos bin Said took power in 1970 and I was lucky to have experienced all the developments of Oman. Oman had only two schools earlier now there are thousands of schools and several Universities. The ruler carefully implemented vital developments in the field of health,education and social welfare.of
There are several attractions in Oman, those who are keen to experience the history of Oman there is enough to cover more than a week.
The people of this nation is very welcoming and visiting the interior of Oman is a nice expereince. You will experience warmth and friendly atmosphere whereever you visit Oman. Al Hazm Castle is worth for the visit whole day.
There are several attractions in Oman, those who are keen to experience the history of Oman there is enough to cover more than a week.
The people of this nation is very welcoming and visiting the interior of Oman is a nice expereince. You will experience warmth and friendly atmosphere whereever you visit Oman. Al Hazm Castle is worth for the visit whole day.
Written August 8, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bianca Laleh
Totnes, UK33 contributions
Jul 2017 • Friends
Although it was unbearably hot (not advisable to visit any place in Oman in the searing summer heat!) it was definitely worthwhile! Lovely location, lots to see inside, excellent audio guide and friendly 'castle keeper' who saved me from melting by giving me coffee and dates and a lovely chat! Beautiful old doors...........which I love! x
Written July 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Starrymama7
Khasab, Oman33 contributions
Nov 2016 • Family
I visited Alhazm castle in Rustaq in November when the weather was pleasant and there was less crowd. We enjoyed exploring the history of the castle where the Imam lived. The kids enjoyed the long winding stairs and the explanation provided for each room. It can take a 45 minutes to see the whole castle.
Written July 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wexfordgirl21
Enniscorthy, Ireland20 contributions
Jan 2017 • Friends
This is a newly refurbished fort in Rustaq, about an hour and a half from Muscat. I would recommend it as a day trip for anyone interested in Omans history and culture. It was the seat of power of the family before the current Sultan. We visited early on a Friday morning (it's only open from 8-11 on Friday) and we were the only people there.
The new exhibits are wonderful, and there's even an excellent English audio guide to bring you through the exhibits. We spent about an hour and half there, and that was rushed because we needed to move on, but I would have easily spent another hour there. Anyone who is interested in military ammunition, and warfare tactics should go as they have old rifles hanging off every wall, and a whole room in the fort dedicated to huge cannons!
Watch out for the prisoners in the dungeons, and the Jinn room, these can be a little frightening for small kids (and some adults) :)
I can honestly say this was is a fantastically refurbished fort, well done to the Ministry of Tourism on this one!
The only problem is, as usual, trying to find it. We were following an Omani family who brought us, but it might be difficult to find otherwise. It is on google maps however, which makes it easier.
This is a really nice morning activity, as I think it would be extremely hot in the afternoon with no air con and some of the audio guide points being outside.
The new exhibits are wonderful, and there's even an excellent English audio guide to bring you through the exhibits. We spent about an hour and half there, and that was rushed because we needed to move on, but I would have easily spent another hour there. Anyone who is interested in military ammunition, and warfare tactics should go as they have old rifles hanging off every wall, and a whole room in the fort dedicated to huge cannons!
Watch out for the prisoners in the dungeons, and the Jinn room, these can be a little frightening for small kids (and some adults) :)
I can honestly say this was is a fantastically refurbished fort, well done to the Ministry of Tourism on this one!
The only problem is, as usual, trying to find it. We were following an Omani family who brought us, but it might be difficult to find otherwise. It is on google maps however, which makes it easier.
This is a really nice morning activity, as I think it would be extremely hot in the afternoon with no air con and some of the audio guide points being outside.
Written January 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pampooreth
Ibri, Oman36 contributions
Apr 2016 • Family
One of the best places to visit near Rustaq is the place called Alhokkaine. It is about 70 kms from Rustaq.
Written April 20, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sassytraveler1
Milwaukee, WI78 contributions
Mar 2016 • Family
I concur with much of the other postitive comments. The welcoming with dates and Oman coffee is a very nice touch. The entry way has nice shade and seating which made for nice place to hang out and take it all in. Plus good bathrooms can't be under appreciated.
One of the things that make this castle stand out is the availability of a local guide, with very good English, that can give the standard tour. He can also take you on a tour of some of the secret passage ways of the hotel. It does mean moving in small, dark spaces but adds a nice level of interactivity.
One of the things that make this castle stand out is the availability of a local guide, with very good English, that can give the standard tour. He can also take you on a tour of some of the secret passage ways of the hotel. It does mean moving in small, dark spaces but adds a nice level of interactivity.
Written March 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hi everyone.
I am planning to visit this place for Eid weekend, 24th Sep. I will be staying in Mussanah. How can I get to these forts. Are there any taxis. Or tour guides. Or Can I drive in my sedan car to these forts. Will it be too hot climate.
Requesting a quick answer as need to proceed with the bookings.
Written September 8, 2015
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