We Love Oman: Muttrah Fort, standing tall

According to the Ministry of Tourism, "Muttrah Fort stands tall facing the sea and inhaling the winds that waft the fragrant memory of ships gone by, ships that once sailed these azure waters." "The fort seems as if it were the only passage connecting Muttrah and Muscat," added the ministry. "Currently, it consists of three circular towers: a huge one sitting on the summit and the remaining smaller two located, one at the first point in the West, and the other, which still houses one of the old cannons, to the north of the fort near the large tower."

Perched atop the crenellations of the Muttrah Fort that overlooked the Corniche, Oman's rulers of yesteryear were able to cast their eye over a view that stretched all the way to the horizon. While such a vantage point did help spot trade galleons that pulled into port from far-flung, exotic lands, laden with exquisite cargo that had travelled across the high seas to reach Arabia, it also helped keep an eye on fishing vessels that unloaded their daily catch at the wharves, before they were bought at the fishmonger's to sate many an empty belly.