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Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum
Despite the name, this excellent museum is far more than just a display of military hardware. The collection is housed in Bayt al Falaj, built in 1845 as a royal summer home but used mostly as the headquarters of the sultan’s armed forces. The lower rooms outline Oman’s history whi
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Al Jalali Fort
Guarding the entrance to the harbour to the east, Al Jalali Fort was built during the Portuguese occupation in the 1580s on Arab foundations. The fort is accessible only via a steep flight of steps. As such, it made the perfect prison for a number of years, but now it is a museum o
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Ghalya Museum of Modern Art
This delightful little museum, which encompasses both a modern art gallery and an old furnished house, encapsulates something of the excitement of the new, tinged with the sadness of a pre-Renaissance world that has so quickly been left behind. The house unfolds like a puzzle, wrap
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Wadi Bani Khalid Pools
Most people visiting Wadi Bani Khalid head for the springs which collect in a series of deep pools in the narrow end of the wadi. The pools have been developed into a tourist destination with a (too) small car park, a concrete pathway and a series of picnic huts. Swimming is possib
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Mutrah Gold Souq
If youre visiting Mutrah Souq , dont miss a stroll through the narrow alleys that house the glittering gold shops. The bridal gold, worked into bibs, buckles and belts, may not be to everyones taste, but the sheer accumulation of treasure in the shop windows is exciting on the eye.
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Al Mouj
This up-and-coming sea-board development near Muscat International Airport is fast becoming the new social hub of the capital. Planned as a mixed residential, tourism and commercial development, it remains one of only two locations where expats can purchase property. The result, a
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Ibra Old Quarter
The old part of Ibra is a honeycomb of crumbling mud-built houses of two or three storeys. Theres a paved walkway of several kilometres through some of the best parts of the old village, accessed by a double archway; note the well on the right of the entrance and the old Al Qablate
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Ubar
Ubar, in the village of Shisr, is an archaeological site of potentially great importance. Lost to history for over a thousand years, the rediscovery of the remains of this once important trading post on the frankincense route caused great archaeological excitement in the 1990s. It
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Corniche & Dhow Yards
The corniche affords a picturesque view across to the village of Ayjah . Dhows used to be led to safe haven by Ayjah’s three watchtowers , which mark the passage into the lagoon. It is still possible to see the boats being made by hand alongside this passage. To reach the dhow yard
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Jami al Hamoda Mosque
It’s worth trying to stumble on this aged and revered mosque. The low-lying prayer hall is unique on account of its profusion of 52 domes. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter but you can gain a vantage point across the mosque roof from the neighbouring buildings. A falaj used fo
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Sinaw Souq
Like most other souqs in the country, this market place, arranged around a central courtyard, is at its most active early on a Thursday morning. What makes this particular souq such fun to visit is that it attracts large numbers of Bedouin from nearby Sharqiya Sands who throng to t
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Al Wusta Wildlife Reserve
A guided tour, usually by a member of the Harsusi tribe, is the only worthwhile way to visit the reserve although you can visit the portacabin information centre and captive oryx herd for free. The guides dont speak English and act as navigators only. The reserve, access to which i
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Al Mirani Fort
Al Mirani Fort was built at the same time as nearby Al Jalali Fort. Although closed to the public, its presence looms large over the harbour and contributes to the iconic view of Muscat captured in 19th-century lithographs. Al Mirani Fort has a special place in history as it contri
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Bat & Al Ayn Tombs
Known as ‘beehive tombs’ (on account of their shape) these free-standing structures of piled stones were designed to protect the remains of up to 200 people. There is barely a hilltop without one, and because of the extent of the site, which lies on an ancient caravan route, the wh
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Moqal Cave
If you want to beat the crowds at Wadi Bani Khalid, then search for Moqal Cave in the upper reaches of the wadi. Look for a lower path above the picnic area and walk along the bottom of the wadi. You will have to scramble over and squeeze under boulders and ford the water several t
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Job’s Tomb
In religious terms, this tomb is probably the most important site in Dhofar. Regardless of your religious convictions, the tomb, situated on an isolated hilltop overlooking Salalah, is a must-see for the beautiful drive, especially during the khareef, and for the view over the Sala
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Ibra Souq
Ibra has a lively souq that is at its most active on a Wednesday morning. Arranged around a double courtyard, the greengrocery takes pride of place in the centre, with local melons and aubergines making colourful seasonal displays. To reach the souq by car, turn right off the Musca
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Seeb Souq
One place to get a feel for local Omani culture is on the main one-way road that runs in a circle through the heart of Seeb. Alongside banks and Indian-run cold stores, the road is flanked by the gold souq , with its windows of bangles and bridal chains, and by dishdasha tailors, k
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Taqah Castle
This small but well-preserved castle was built in the 19th-century. With a furnished interior, video display, excellent signage, craft shop and an accompanying booklet explaining the history of this sardine-producing town, this is one of the best fort museums in Oman.
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Rustaq Fort
Two cannons mark the interior courtyard of this remarkable fort whose entrance alone signals its size and former importance. Recently reopened to visitors after extensive restoration work, it is a fort-lovers dream, with hidden passages, vertical stairways and massive ramparts.
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