Description of the attraction
Fort Mirani, formerly known as the Admiral's Fort or Captain's Fort, is located in the harbor of old Muscat. It, like the neighboring Jelali fortress, located on a rocky escarpment, dominates the coast. These fortifications were created to protect the city of Muscat from invading enemy armies. The forts were part of the city's defense system, which also included another Matara fortress and a number of watchtowers.
Like Jelali Fort, Mirani Fortress was built on the remains of a primitive Islamic fortification after the Portuguese conquered Muscat in the early 16th century. After the capture of the city by the army of the Sultan of Oman, which happened in 1650, the fort got its current name. It was restored, expanded and strengthened. He acquired the form that we see now.
To strengthen the defensive capabilities of the Mirani fortress, an artillery platform was built here. Thus, the city of Muscat has become almost impregnable from the sea.
Nowadays, the ancient Mirani fort has been reconstructed, like many other historical buildings of the city. Sultan Qaboos initiated the restoration work.
The Fort History Museum is located in a small room on the top floor of the tallest tower. On the door of the museum there is an inscription in Portuguese, which remained from the first owners of the fort. The chapel, built in 1588, with a door in the Manueline style, has survived since the rule of the Portuguese.
On the territory of the fort, planted with trees, ancient cannons are installed, saluting friendly ships or announcing an attack by an enemy army. These cannons also fired at dawn and dusk, alerting the residents of the city to the opening and closing of the city gates.
