Discovering Oman’s Rich Cultural Heritage: Top Places to Visit

Oman’s vibrant heritage is expressed through many intriguing sites and structures scattered throughout its ancient cities. If you’re looking to embark on a cultural adventure in the Middle East, here are a few top places to visit when exploring Oman’s heritage.

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Dudva, Nizwa Fort in Oman 2, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

This magnificent mosque is a must-visit during a cultural tour of Oman. It is one of the best examples of Islamic architecture featuring a grand prayer hall with hand-painted tiles and a giant crystal chandelier. The mosque is also open to non-Muslims, signifying the country’s openness to diversity.

Nizwa Fort

Standing at the foot of the Western Hajar mountains is one of Oman’s most popular ancient forts. The Nizwa Fort was built to protect the town of Nizwa from invading forces and still contains several defensive entrapments and equipment from the original structure, making it worth visiting from your resort in Oman.

National Museum of Oman

This is one of the more recent cultural hotspots in Oman, opened to bring more of Oman’s history and culture to the public. The museum covers everything from the country’s first settlements over 2 million years ago to the modern industries of today.

Nizwa Souq

You can even take home a piece of Omani culture with you if you visit the Nizwa Souq, about an hour’s drive from Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort. You’ll find everything from intricate Omani knives (khanjars) to textiles, pottery and even sweet treats like halwa.