An oasis town and citadel, Bahla is one of the most interesting places to visit in Oman. Built in the 14th century using traditional mud-brick techniques, the area that used to be known as the hub of Islamic learning has a special atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the country. Bahla is about a two-hour drive southwest of Muscat and can thus be visited on a day trip. The nearby city of Nizwa with its own magnificent fort can be visited on the same trip.