Oman is one of the most beautiful countries, with part of its coast overlooking the Arabian Gulf. It has always been a distinctive and emerging tourist destination in the region due to its stunning nature, unique culture, and rich history. Historical places in Oman attract visitors from all over the world. Below, we’ll introduce you to 8 of the most prominent historical places in Oman that you must not miss.
We also recommend taking advantage of the offers and services provided by almatar for its customers and booking your trip to Oman through its website.
Most Prominent Historical Places in Oman
-
Bilad Sur Fort
This historical fort is located in the Wilayat of Sur in the South Sharqiyah Governorate and overlooks the coast directly, making it an old maritime defensive point. The fort is distinguished by its rectangular structure and its four towers that monitored the movement of ships for centuries. Although it is not one of the most famous sites in the Sultanate, it is a charming destination for lovers of peaceful history and seaside views.
Top 3 activities you can do there:
- Strolling around the old walls, exploring the architectural corners of the fort, and taking panoramic photos overlooking the sea.
- Visiting the main watchtower and climbing the tower to enjoy a panoramic view of the coast and the old town.
- Walking along the nearby corniche and the waterfront adjacent to the fort, relaxing on benches overlooking the port.
-
Salut Archaeological Village
Salut village is located in the Wilayat of Bahla in the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate and is one of the oldest Omani villages, dating back to the Iron Age. The village hosts the famous Salut Castle and a collection of ancient ruins that reflect the defensive and architectural character of past eras. Its location on a rocky plateau gives visitors a magical view of the valley and surrounding villages.
Top 3 activities you can do there:
- Visiting Salut Castle and exploring the elevated rocky fort and its old passageways used for surveillance and defense.
- Walking among the rocky ruins and wandering through the remains of old stone houses and the site’s unique natural formations.
- Taking photos from the plateau and enjoying a quiet session while capturing panoramic shots of the area from above.
-
Bat Tombs
Bat tombs are located in the Wilayat of Ibri in the Al Dhahirah Governorate and are among the rarest archaeological sites in the world, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These stone tombs date back over 3,000 years BC and are characterized by their precise circular designs, reflecting the evolution of funerary architecture in ancient Oman. It is said that Bat was part of an ancient advanced civilization in agriculture, architecture, and trade.
Top 3 activities you can do there:
- Exploring the circular tombs and wandering among hundreds of unique stone-domed graves and learning about their architectural style.
- Photographing the archaeological scene and capturing stunning images of these tombs spread across the mountainous and desert nature.
- Visiting the remains of old towers and viewing nearby defensive towers that add a historical dimension to the site.
-
Al-Baleed Archaeological Park
Located north of Salalah in the Dhofar Governorate, Al-Baleed Archaeological Park is one of the Land of Frankincense sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It dates back to the Bronze Age (around 2500 BC) and developed significantly until it became a flourishing port between the 8th and 16th centuries, playing a central role in frankincense trade across the Arabian Sea.
Top 3 activities you can do there:
- Exploring the open ruins and walking among the remains of the fort, the columned mosque, and the main fort, and learning about the layout of the old city.
- Visiting the “Land of Frankincense” museum, a maritime hall displaying navigation tools, historical ship models, and materials related to the frankincense trade.
- Walking on the bridge and seaside walkway and enjoying a panoramic view of the lagoon and the path linking the site to the southern coast, with the opportunity to watch birds and boats.
-
Nizwa Old Souq
Nizwa Old Souq is considered one of the most important historical markets in the Sultanate of Oman, having been the vibrant heart of trade and social exchange during the era of the Imams. It is located near the famous Nizwa Fort and is characterized by its clay arcades and traditional wooden doors, giving it a genuine heritage ambiance that reflects the spirit of ancient trade. Visiting it means living a time-travel experience through the sounds, scents, and colors that expressed life in Oman centuries ago.
Top 3 activities you can do there:
- Walking through the historical paths and alleys and exploring the small shops specializing in handicrafts such as pottery, rugs, and silver jewelry.
- Visiting the souq inn and ruling headquarters to discover the place where local governance was managed and learning about the architectural design used at the time.
- Tasting authentic Omani foods and trying traditional dishes like harees and grilled meat, and sipping Omani coffee with dates in a heritage atmosphere.
-
Rustaq Fort
Rustaq Fort is located in the South Al Batinah Governorate and is one of the largest and most fascinating forts in Oman. The fort is distinguished by its three tall main towers and massive walls that tell the stories of the conflicts and alliances witnessed by Omani history. The fort was built over a thousand years ago and served as a center of governance and administration and a stage for major political shifts in the region.
Top 3 activities you can do there:
- Climbing one of the fort’s towers and enjoying a panoramic view of Rustaq city and the surrounding mountains.
- Exploring the historical rooms and trenches, learning about old defense engineering, and walking through the dark passageways that once hid royal secrets.
- Visiting the inner courtyard and historical gathering place where meetings, caravans, and military movements occurred, and sensing the scent of history within its massive walls.
-
The Old Town of Manah
Manah is located in the Wilayat of Al Mudhaibi in the North Sharqiyah Governorate and has a unique heritage character with its tall clay houses and narrow alleys winding around like a time maze. The town is known for its traditional Omani architectural design that maintains warmth in winter and coolness in summer and reflects a long history of rural life and authentic traditions. Visiting Manah means merging with the daily life of ancestors within clay walls and the silence of time.
Top 3 activities you can do there:
- Strolling through the heritage alleys and walking in narrow clay passages, enjoying the charm of earthy colors and polished walls.
- Visiting one of the traditional homes and learning about the lifestyle inside a traditional clay environment, seeing furniture and tools used in the past.
- Taking panoramic photos and climbing rooftops to capture panoramic views of the town surrounded by hills and small courtyards.
-
Al Hoota Cave
Al Hoota Cave is located in the Eastern Hajar Mountains in the Sultanate of Oman and is a remarkable natural landmark, also holding traces of ancient human presence, including tools and rock engravings. Its true magic lies in its internal geological formations of stalactites and stalagmites, which captivate the eye and create a fantastical atmosphere. The site combines historical mystery and the splendor of nature hidden deep within the mountains.
Top 3 activities you can do there:
- Touring inside the cave and exploring its inner passages and learning about its unique rock formations.
- Walking around the cave entrance, enjoying the views of water flow and surrounding mountain trees, and taking photos of pristine nature.
- Sitting for meditation or a quiet rest, taking advantage of the near-complete silence inside the cave to listen to the sound of water and create a peaceful, reflective atmosphere.
In conclusion
If you’re an adventure lover or someone who enjoys reflecting on the past, visiting these historical sites in Oman will give you an experience you’ll never forget. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover this rich history, and book your hotels in Oman now through almatar to benefit from the best offers and services designed to make your journey more comfortable and exciting.