Melkior Calaca with more fortifications and towers being added towards the latter half of the century. Upon its capture by Omani forces in 1650, it was gradually strengthened and rebuilt into its present form.
Al-Jalali is fortified by two towers, connected by a long wall with cannon slits. Rainwater was collected in a reservoir. Apart from access over a small bridge and stairway next to one of its towers, the fort is entirely cut off and cannot be reached by land.
The fort and its twin Al-Mirani, in conjunction with the formidable defences of Muttrah fort and a number of other fortified structures and watchtowers along the rocky ridges of the bay, made Muscat virtually impregnable. They collectively supplemented the old city's natural defences, the massed rows of rocky hills surrounding the bay.
The fort stands as a proud monument to a bygone era of Omani heroism and martial prowess, a life-size museum piece in its original and authentic setting.
Al-Mirani Castle
The impregnable Fort of Al-Mirani tops the western rocks of Muscat Bay, flanking Al-Alam Palace. It is thought to be named after one of its Portuguese inhabitants.
The fort was originally built in the early 16th century by the Portuguese, who used it as their major headquarters during the 60 years of their occupation of Oman. Towards the latter half of the century, they added more fortifications and towers to the fort. In 1610 a dock was constructed at the base of the fortification, equipped with a low-level battering ram to repel attacks from passing ships. In 1650, Omani forces expelled the Portuguese, and gradually rebuilt and strengthened the fort into its present form.Notable features of the fort are its oval-shaped artillery tower, soaring upwards to a height of 26.5 m from its rocky base at sea level, and the complex and confusing network of passages in the interior.
The fort and its twin Al-Jalali, in conjunction with the formidable defences of Muttrah fort and a number of other fortified structures and watchtowers along the rocky ridges of the bay, made Muscat virtually impregnable. They collectively supplemented the old city's natural defences, the massed rows of rocky hills surrounding the bay.Nakhal Castle
Located in Al-Batina Region, Nakhl Castle sits on top of a 200-metre rocky prominence in the foothills of the Western Hajar Mountains, overlooking the extensive palm groves which surround Nakhl.The castle is believed to date from the pre-Islamic era, and underwent significant renovation in the 9th and 16th centuries during the reigns of Bani Kharous and the Al-Ya'aruba imams respectively. 
The gate, fence and towers were built during the reign of Sultan Said bin Sultan Al-Bu Saidi in 1834.In 1990, the Castle was restored using traditional building materials and period furnishings.
Of the various towers, Al-Wasat Tower (Central Tower) is the most prominent. The castle also features a bridge and contains many rooms for various uses, including the quarters of the Wali, a guard's shelter and soldiers’ rooms.
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