Muscat
Oman's capital
Each has its own distinctive identity, Muscat is the old port area, a walled town with four gates, characterised by ancient houses, narrow streets and steep alleyways. It is dominated by two great stone forts, Al Jalali and Al Mirani, which were built by the Portuguese in the late 16th Century on Arab foundations, turning Muscat into an impenetrable stronghold.
On the waterfront stands the Sultan’s imposing palace.
The beautiful Omani houses have been built in a combination of Arab, Indian and Portuguese styles.
They have fabulously carved doors and their high walls are at least three feet thick to ensure that the air inside is cool.
The bright sunlight on white walls is dazzling, and flowing pink bougainvillea provide an occasional flash of colour among the buildings.
Muscat has few shops and sights but it is a lovely place to wander round and immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of the Omani people and their country.
Mutrah is just north of Muscat and is the main trading and residential port area while Ruwi is the modern commercial district.
Muscat Travel Guide
Muscat , the capital of Oman, is often called the "Jewel of Arabia" - its quaint gardens and modern children’s parks, the gorgeous beaches at Al Bustan, Al Qurum and Qantab beckon the tourist. Modern Muscat is beautiful with its sparkling waters and golden mountains, its historic past and their remnants. For all its beauty, there are not many sights to see in the city.Muscat, Mutrah and Ruwi are the core districts of the capital of Muscat. The city rose to prominence in the 14th centuries as a small but important trading post, trading with places as distant as Africa and the Far East. The present day Muscat is the old port area and the Sultan’s palace is located here. Mutrah, about three km North West of Muscat, is the main trading and residential area. A few km inland from Muscat and Mutrah is Ruwi, the modern commercial district of Muscat.
By safaridrive.com and journeymart.com