Best 4 Historic Places to Visit in Salalah

T-Mag Thursday 21/July/2016 16:15 PM
By: Times News Service
Best 4 Historic Places to Visit in Salalah

It’s Khareef time again. That glorious month when the monsoon turns the hills of Salalah green, makes its ocean waves rage, and drives the sweltering temperature down by twenty degrees or more. During these months, we flock to the cool Dhofari oasis, but often people are left wondering what to do with their time down south. This series is your checklist of places to explore and things to do in and around Salalah.

1. Sadah Castle
Sadah was an important trade centre where frankincense was bought and sold hundreds of years ago. The remote Sadah Castle is one of the main pillars that guarded the Dhofar governorate since the time of Sayyid Taimur bin Faisal. Being in the far east of the region, it played the role of a watchman and thus was the military and administrative headquarters for surrounding areas. The castle (fort), which has a tall National Flag hoisted on it, may disappoint you at first glance as it may appear to just be an old, worn-out building, but once you step inside you will be in for a pleasant surprise. The building features colourful interiors, rich cultural antiques, and embroidered textiles, giving it a very homey feeling. The ground floor of the castle has three rooms to explore, including a kitchen that contains antique pictures, pottery, and imported porcelain.

Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 8.30am to 2.30pm
Location: 60km east of Mirbat (120 to 135km North-east of Salalah)
17.053772 N, 55.070253 E

2. Khor Rori (sumuharam)
Khori Rori, which means “sweet water outlet”, is the site of the ruins of the town of Sumuharam. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the port was a fortified outpost of the Hadramawt frankincense kingdom. It’s location 400-metres from the sea and the remains of the fortress indicate that it was a part of a defensive system. Naturally, the place was considered an important link between the Gulf and India during the time of the frankinscense trade, and the signs of trade wealth remained evident through the centuries. The site was discovered in the 19th Century by James Theodore Bent who theorised that it had been a wealthy settlement due to the bronze vessels, incense burners, and the limestone basins that were excavated from the ruins.

Timings: Daily, 9am to 8pm
Location: 40km East of Salalah
17.039007 N, 54.434315 E

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3. Mirbat Castle
One of the most popular and important towns in Dhofar, Mirbat, was at one time the capital of the region. Historically known for the breeding and export of horses, the town is most famed for the legendary battle that took place there on 19th July, 1972 and the Mirbat Castle, which has immense historical significance due to the important defensive and administrative role it played during the battle between British troops and Yemeni communist-supporters. The castle was restored in 1991 and was opened to the public as a tourist site in 1996. The majestic building stands atop a cliff which overlooks the Mirbat harbour and its little fishing boats swaying merrily in the cool and moist breeze. The castle displays cultural handicrafts representative of Dhofar and the other governorates of the Sultanate.

Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 8.30am to 2.30pm
Location: 70km east of Salalah
16°59’36.6”N 54°41’33.8”E

4. Taqah Castle
The Taqah Castle is one of the most popular landmarks in the Dhofar region. Built in the 19th century as a private residence of His Majesty’s great grandfather, it was later used by Sultan Said bin Taimur as his private residence until the 1970s. His Majesty’s mother is buried just near the castle, enhancing the castle’s historical significance.
In 1994 it was renovated and reopened as a museum where the various rooms of the castle are used to display cultural artefacts that illustrate the old Omani way of living. It also contains ancient weapons, cookware, handicrafts, and illustrations.

Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 9am to 4pm
Location: 33km east of Salalah
17.039275 N, 54.396022 E