Muscat Things to Do

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The beautiful mosque, Masjid al-Khor, is a modern structure in Old Muscat. It is one of Oman's many colourful mosques, built in a style that draws on Arab, Persian and Indian architectural styles. Here, the use of blue onion-shaped domes and pointed arches is perhaps more influenced by Persia. Al-Khor Mosque is located just below Mirani Fort.

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A walled city until the 1970s, Old Muscat is the official capital of Oman. Nowadays, it is a mere neighbourhood among a string of towns that form Greater Muscat. Until the British cut a road through the mountains in the 1920s, Muscat was only accessible by sea, with the rugged mountains encircling the town and forming a natural barrier. Today, Old Muscat contains the administrative and military establishments of the government and few residents. Its architecture is a mix of old and new, including many of the city's prime tourist attractions such as the 16th century Portuguese forts, old mansions-turned-museums, and the 1970s royal palace. The town is eerily quiet and can be covered on foot in an afternoon, provided the weather is cool enough. Attached are a few photos from around Old Muscat. Also check out additional tips on this page for descriptions of some of the sites.

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Until 1970, the ancient gates of the walled city of Muscat were locked at night. Although Muscat has modernised significantly in the past four decades, the old walls and gates have been preserved as a reminder of the heritage of this isolated town. The walls had three gates, still standing to this day: Bab al-Kabir, Bab Muthaib and Bab Wiljat. In the attached photo is Bab Wiljat, also known as the Small Gate (Bab al-Saghir).

Guarding the Muscat bay at the eastern end, Al Jalali Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1587 and named Forte de São João (i.e., Saint John's Fort). Its Arabic name is said to derive from the Portuguese "João". Like the Mirani Fort at the opposite end of the bay, Al Jalali's purpose was to protect Portuguese ships against the threat of attack, particularly by the Ottomans and Persians. The fortress stands prominently on the top of a rocky hill commanding unobstructed views over the bay and old Muscat. The fort was captured by the Omanis from the Portuguese in 1649 and was used for defensive purposes thereafter. It underwent some restorations and expansions over the years until it was turned into a prison. It is now no longer in use, but has undergone extensive restoration in recent years. Unfortunately, it is not open to visitors either.

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With chocolate-coloured rugged mountains diving into the sea and a 16th century Portuguese Fort as a backdrop against white washed low lying buildings, the Matrah Corniche is undoubtedly the most scenic among the cities of the Gulf. The Corniche curves and meanders along the bay of Matrah with traditional dhows and large tankers stationed in its deep anchorage harbour. When the weather is clement in the cooler months, a long stroll down the Matrah Corniche is a must, and if one gets tired there are numerous golden-domed pavilions along the way for one to rest. The best time for such a stroll is an hour or two before sunset as the shadows cast against the zigzag of mountains enhance the features.

Of a recent and more symbolic construction, the Muscat Gate signals the arrival into Old Muscat. It was built in a traditional Omani style over Al-Bahri Road, the main road linking Old Muscat to Matrah. The structure over the gate houses the Muscat Gate House Museum, which focuses on the history of Muscat and its royal family.

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Similar history to the fort across the bay, al Mirani fort was built in 1588 by the Portuguese to defend their ships against attack. Because it also served as the residence of the Portuguese commander, the fort became known as Forte del Almirante (i.e., admiral's fort). It is from this Portuguese word, which coincidentally happens to be of Arabic origin, that the name al Mirani was obtained. The Omanis took over the fort after they ousted the Portuguese in 1649. The fortress occupies an entire rocky hill at the western end of bay of Muscat and has strategic view over the bay. Mirani Fort is now no longer in use, but has undergone extensive restoration in recent years. Unfortunately, it is not open to visitors either.

A third fort built by the Portuguese guards the bay of Muscat. This one is located further out the bay on Mirani Street, away from the city of Muscat, on the same side as Mirani Fort. It is clearly visible from Muscat and from the Mirani Fort, as in the attached photo. However, this Fort does not appear on any map nor any guidebook. It happens to be located in an area used as a naval base and, therefore, it is probably out of bounds. Visitors will have to contend with a distant view from Muscat.