Today, Nizwa is a diverse prosperous place with numerous agricultural, historical and recreational aspects.

[citation needed] A handwritten letter from the Islamic Prophet Muhammad in 630 asked the locals of the mountain town of Nizwa to convert.

[1] The explorer Ibn Battuta visited in the 14th century, noting Nizwa as "a city at the foot of a mountain, enveloped by orchards and streams, and with fine bazaars and splendid clean mosques.

"[2] In the early 1950s, the large round tower of the ancient fort built in the center of the town was bombed and rocketed by the British Royal Air Force, who were called in to assist the then-reigning Sultan Said bin Taimur in suppressing a revolt by leaders of the interior Imamate of Oman.

[citation needed] The conflict was driven by a struggle for a share of Oman's newly discovered oil wealth.

[citation needed] Improvements include connections to Muscat via a two-lane highway, which has increased tourism.

The main tourist attractions in the city are the Nizwa Fort, the traditional souq or market, and the Falaj Daris irrigation system, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.

[citation needed] Nizwa Fort was built in 1668 AD by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'rubi, and today is Oman's most visited national monument.

The fort was the administrative seat of authority for the presiding imams and walis in times of peace and conflict.

It was a formidable stronghold against raiding forces that desired Nizwa's abundant natural wealth and its strategic crossroads location.

The souq bustles with vendors selling everything from meat, fish, fruits and vegetables to spices, dates, gold and silverware.