From the walls of Sunaysilah Fort, the town of Sur spreads out below, with the coast beyond. The fort was built to watch over exactly this view.

The fort

Sunaysilah Fort stands on a high rocky plateau south of Sunaysilah village, overlooking the town of Sur. It is thought to be around 300 years old and was built to defend the port from attack by land and sea, watching the coast, the estuary of Wadi Al-Fulaij and the inland road.

Its origins are uncertain. Some sources say Imam Nasir bin Murshid Al-Ya'rubi ordered it built in the first half of the 17th century. Other accounts say the Portuguese built it first, and that the Omanis under Sultan bin Saif captured it in 1648.

Walls and towers

The fort is a simple square plan covering about 2,500 square metres. Its walls run about 55 metres long and rise more than 5 metres, and the main structure reaches about 35 metres. At the corners are four towers, three round and one square, designed to withstand heavy cannon fire.

Inside

Inside are a simple mosque with two mihrabs, a classroom where the Quran was taught and memorised, a prison for serious crimes and prisoners of war, a barzah hall where community leaders met, storerooms and a water reservoir. The fort has been modified and restored several times, most recently in 1989, and a later project expanded its outdoor theatre to hold 1,200 people for cultural events.

Sur

Sur has long been a seafaring town, trading with East Africa and India and famous for building wooden dhows.

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  Dhow yard About 4 km away.
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  Al Ayjah Lighthouse About 4 km away.
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  Bibi Maryam Mausoleum About 19 km away.
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  Ras Al Hadd About 30.8 km away.
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  Ras Al Jinz Turtles, about 38 km away.

Visiting

The fort's official page lists it as open daily from 8am to 5pm, with tickets sold at the reception desk; check before you go, as times can change. Guided tours are available on request, photography is allowed and the fort is wheelchair accessible. October to April is the best time to visit.