A complex fortress dating back to the 12th century, Bahla Fort is made up three main parts: the fort itself, the citadel oasis and a formidable city wall that curves and winds an impressive 13 kilometers! If you’ve always been fascinated by dystopia, then you might find that this imposing fortress is just the sort of thing people need to survive the ever-popular zombie apocalypse. Made entirely of straw and mud bricks that were baked at very high temperatures, the fortress stood strong for centuries. Given that constructing something so incredible with access to the tools we have today is practically unimaginable, some believe that mere humans could not have built it.

Wander the maze of rooms, peer into wells and for the adventurous at heart, climb up the ladder to the wind towers, or head into the attic rooms. There’re two mosques within the area, along with two guesthouses. Keep an eye out for the altar dedicated to the Philistines or the machicolations that were used for pouring boiling water or grape juice on the enemy. Gazing out at the oasis, a refreshing sight of green in the monotony of the desert, you can ponder about the many legends surrounding the fort, and wonder whether the walls of the Fort were built by a woman, all in one night or if it were partly the work of a wizard and his dark magic.