Historical Places in Oman

Nizwa Fort is Oman’s most visited and most famous monument and fort. Unlike its counterpart the Bahla Fort, this 17th century fort has not yet been included under UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. What it lacks in prominence, it makes up for in exhibits and study conducted intended to reveal the glorious past of the city.

Bahla fort is a fine example of a defensive complex engineered to enable the tribes settled there to survive, prosper and carry out their trade during the medieval Islamic period. It was built in the 13th century. The fort had come under the threat of losing its authenticity as many modern ways of restorations were being used. Now the fort is thriving more than ever and is the major attraction of the Bahla oasis settlement. It is also one of the largest forts in Oman. The fort has a reputation among the locals for hosting paranormal activities during the night time. This does not come as a shock as Bahla is believed to be the birthplace of Black Magic.

Al Alam Palace, also known as Sultan's Palace and the Sultan Qaboos Palace, is one among the six royal residences of Sultan Qaboos located in Muscat. It looks out to the Gulf of Oman. The ruling monarch’s residence was built in 1972 which holds a history of 200 years. The palace is known for its flamboyant Islamic architecture which is surrounded by lush green garden and the Mutrah Harbour. This official residence is used to receive distinguished guests who visit the country.

Being one of the most famous villages in ruins in the Sultanate and home to the traditional Falaj irrigation system which is listed as UNESCO world heritage, the Birkat Al Mouz Ruins deserves to be on your itinerary (on your way to Jebel Akhdar). Although the beauty of this enchanted place doesn’t end here. You can find picturesque surroundings, two old ruins and a large banana plantation which is encircled by tall mountains.

Lying amongst one of the marvellous bays of Dhofar, was once one of the chief trading ports of frankincense, Khor Rori (almost 2000 years ago) which is now the Sumhuram archaeological park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site lies 25 miles east of Salalah on a hilltop which overlooks the beautiful freshwater creek of Khor Rori. The park itself is fascinating to visit as it is both a museum and an archaeological park. You can see the archaeologists at work around the ruins, excavating this historical place.

Being one of the most popular Castles to visit in Oman, the comparatively newly built Taqah castle is an architectural gem. Situated in a beautiful fishing village of Taqah (in the region of Dhofar), the Castle looks gorgeous with its surrounding pristine white-sand beaches. Being built in the early 19th century, the Castle is well preserved and is now known to be one of the best fort museums in Oman.

Jabreen Castle is famous for its battlements which is one of the most well-preserved monuments. The castle was built in the year 1675 by Imam Bil Arab Bin Sultan. In the ancient days, the castle was a centre of learning for various branches like astrology, medicine and Islamic law. The majestic castle has three storeys, two towers and enormous halls and rooms inside, showing the grandeur of the Imams of the time. Standing at the base of the flagpole at the castle will give visitors a bird's eye view of the interiors of the castle.

Al Baleed Archaeological Park is a jewel in the landscape of Salalah. The park has been inducted into UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Site earning it a prominent place in the itinerary of visitors to the Sultanate of Oman. The park is an open-air archaeological site located off the coast of the Arabian Sea and lies in close proximity to Al Husn Palace and the famous Haffa souq. The park is open to visitors from 8 in the morning to eight in the night with a modest admittance fee per car.

Reputed as one of the must-visit places in Sur, the Bilad Sur Castle is situated at the central part of the Bilad Sur Plain in Oman. Its architectural splendour deems it one of the grandest bastions of Wilayat. Initially built to defend the town against the marauder tribes, these towers offer a spectacular view of the surrounding areas. Today, the dignified Bilad Sur Castle also houses a museum, where visitors can get a deeper insight into its rich historical significance.