Culture of Muscat. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Muscat features numerous historical and cultural landmarks and sights which will turn the city exploration into an unforgettable experience full of impressions and feelings. The main symbol of the city is the Al Alam Palace. The unique architectural landmark represents an inimitable fusion of ethnic and Indian traditions with the majestic decoration of the construction being next to nothing in the city. The Palace borders on magnificent park open for hiking for travelers.

Ancient castles and fortresses are among the most significant touristic spots of the city. The ancient Al Jalali Fort and the Al-Mirani Fort are located not far from the Palace. Two upscale buildings are set close to each other. Now they are reequipped into the Historical Museum. After estimating the appearance of the ancient forts the travelers may look inside the forts and walk through their spacious halls. The halls keep the collections of armory and armor suits as well as historical artifacts, reflecting the course of the history of the city.

Tourists travelling with families will love the Children’s Museum. It offers the visitors the achievements of modern science and technology. The visitors may explore the collection of original showpieces and take part in exciting experiments. The city of Muscat is famous for its natural attractions, the most popular of which is the Wadi Shab. An oasis of ultimate beauty embraced with the vast desert attracts many tourists. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The territory of the wadi features magnificent lakes, palm groves as well as vast meadows. These places will be of perfect heaven sent entertainment and leisure for tourists in the heat of the day. Muscat hosts the largest mosque in the world – the Sultan Qaboos Mosque. The height of its main cupola is 50m. The snow white building of ultimate beauty featuring elegant arches and carved windows looks impressive.

The mosque features a luxury decoration of its interior. The main adornment of its hall is a handmade rug. Its length is 70m with the width of 60m. The handmade rug is a unique article being the largest in its kind. The sightseeing tour should definitely include a visit to the Muscat watchtower which is placed not far from the city center. It offers a scenic panoramic view over the suburbs; and the landmarks and sights of the city are seen in full view.

Fans of theater and classical music should go to the Royal Opera House to watch stunning performances. However, you should specify the time of their conduct in advance. In addition to the Children's Museum, you can find many other interesting cultural institutions with interesting exhibits in Muscat. For example, the National Museum was opened in 2016. It will amaze visitors with its beautiful interactive exhibits. Weapons, costumes, models of Oman ships, navigation devices, coins (including ancient ones), and hookahs of various shapes and types are among them. This is all that reflects the culture of Oman.

Sultan's Armed Forces Museum demonstrates the history of the country's military achievements, from antiquity to modernity. The largest collection of weapons, armor, and combat mechanisms, and machines in the country is collected in the museum. Connoisseurs of modern art go to Ghalya's Museum of Modern Art. It is worth noting that you can find not only paintings and sculptures among the exhibits but also items made by local craftsmen. If you are delighted with a variety of flavors, you will appreciate the unique cultural institution called Amouage Perfumery. The perfume factory is located here. It needs no introduction. This factory has long been associated with Oman.

However, Oman is also associated with other things. This is petroleum, for example. A whole museum is dedicated to it. It is called the Oman Oil and Gas Exhibition Centre. If you visit this museum, you will be able to learn all about its extraction and production, as well as why petroleum is so important for the country and the world. You can get to know the local flora and fauna of the region in the appropriate museum. It is called the Natural History Museum. A beautiful collection of skeletons and stuffed animals that live in the region is collected here. Marine inhabitants of the Gulf of Oman are among them. You can learn about the colonial past of the state and what impact the era has had on modernity in another cultural institution. It's called the French Museum. The Omani Heritage Gallery is the best place to explore the local culture and traditional way of life of the local people's ancestors. There are hundreds of unique products here. They are created by local craftsmen.

The cave of Majlis al Jinn deserves special attention among the natural attractions. According to legend, the Jinn live here. This follows from the name of the grotto. It was opened in 1983. The grotto has already become a symbol of Oman. It is also famous because it is the second-largest cave grotto in the world. The cave is located at an altitude of 1380 meters above sea level. It is the best cave for rock climbing. However, you will need special equipment and sufficient training to visit it, even as part of an excursion. Another picturesque place also deserves attention. This is Al Naseem Park. There is lush vegetation, beautiful views, and a pleasant atmosphere of cordiality and serenity here. Many tourists prefer to visit another beautiful valley Wadi Al Arbeieen. It is interesting for its lava fields and rocky slopes, which in combination gives an incredible charm.