Al-Sunaysla Fort

On a high rocky plateau south of the village of Sunaysilah in Sur, Al Sunaysilah Fort stands as a guardian of history’s memory and a key to understanding Sur’s defensive and commercial role throughout the ages. Some sources indicate that Imam Nasir bin Murshid Al-Ya’rubi ordered its construction in the first half of the 17th century, while other accounts suggest that the Portuguese were the first to build the site to overlook the coast, the estuary of Wadi Al-Fulaij, and the road leading inland — before it was captured by the Omanis under the leadership of Sultan bin Saif in 1648. This divergence in narratives enriches the fort’s historical significance and grants it a unique cultural and touristic dimension. The fort covers an estimated area of 2,500 square meters, with walls stretching about 55 meters in length and over five meters in height, while the main structure rises to 35 meters. Its four towers — three circular and one square — were designed to withstand heavy cannons and provide defense. Inside, the fort contains a simply designed mosque with two mihrabs, a classroom for teaching and Qur’an memorization, a prison for major crimes and prisoners of war, a barzah hall for community leaders’ gatherings, as well as storerooms for provisions and a water reservoir. The fort underwent several modifications and restorations, the latest in 1989, before experiencing a development project that enhanced its facilities, expanded its outdoor theater, and increased its capacity to accommodate 1,200 people, complete with cultural event amenities. Today, Al Sunaysilah Fort is one of Sur’s most prominent tourist attractions, blending authentic defensive architecture with breathtaking views of the sea and the city — uniting the fragrance of history with the spirit of the present.