Situated 40 kilometres west of Nizwa in Oman’s Ad Dakhiliyah region, the small town of Bahla is best known for its massive UNESCO-listed fort, built in the 13th century and considered Oman's oldest fort. Dubbed ‘Madinat al-Sehr’, meaning ‘city of magic’, Bahla is associated with numerous myths and legends of ancient magic. One of Oman’s oldest oasis towns, it once served as the capital of the sultanate. Visitors can explore the atmospheric old town and city walls, which stretch for 12 kilometres around Bahla; browse the vibrant little souk and discover locally made earthenware pottery. Just outside Bahla stands the 17th-century Castle of Jabreen, a fine example of Islamic architecture decorated with paintings and intricate wooden inscriptions.