Discover the Ibra Old Town in the ruins of Al Munisifeh, Oman.
This site, mostly off the touristic path, shows visitors a glimpse at a wealthy period during which the town’s rich business men built magnificent mudbrick mansions.
Below is my guide to help you plan your visit with tips, map and photos.
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Oman:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Oman: DiscoverCars
My favorite adventure from Muscat: Dolphin and Snorkeling
My favorite excursion from Muscat: Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole
My favorite places to stay:
- Muscat, the capital – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: The Chedi
- Sur, for the turtles – see the best rated hotels
- Khasab, Musandam peninsula – see the best rated hotels
- Wahiba Sands, in the desert – see the best rated hotels or my favorite camp: Desert Nights Resort
Why visit the old town of Ibra, Oman?
Ibra is one of the main towns in inland Oman (not to be confused with Ibri).
It grew rich thanks to its situation on a major trade route.
Nearby at the ruins of the village run by two powerful tribes: Al Munisifeh and Al Kanatar.
Tourists normally stop at Al Munisifeh which has more decor details left and impressive structures still standing.
It was slowly abandoned as people moved to Ibra.
Some people still live there. What is surprising is how current Omanis just built next to the ruins, creating a mix of modern buildings with walls and rest of doors or arches.
It can be referred to as Ibra Old Quarter, old town, Al Munisifeh, Al Munisifah or Al Minzifah…
More photos after the planning tips.
Planning tips & Map – Ibra, Oman + Al Munisifeh ruins
Location of Ibra, Oman – Map
- The Ibra Old Quarters are located close to modern Ibra
- Muscat to Ibra = 2 hour drive via road 23
- Sur to Ibra = 1h45 drive via road 23
- Below is a map to help you get oriented:
This location is included (with GPS coordinates, map of region and planning info) in my travel guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Oman road trip:
Plan your dream trip in Oman thanks to my guide
- 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 190+ pre-selected locations
- Tips to make the most of your time
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- 100+ original photos to help you choose
Getting to Al Munisfeh
- Easy drive
- 2WD sufficient
- From the Ibra Souq, the ruins of Al Munisifeh are clearly indicated on road signs
Need to rent a car in Oman?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Choose a car with enough power for the mountain roads
- Consider their full coverage option – for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Visit Tips
- The ruins are free access.
- Just park outside the wall, near the double arch entrance and go explore on foot
- Don’t try driving inside!
- Be careful, those are ruins and stability is not ensured
- Plan 1 hour to admire the many buildings
- You can stay in Ibra – check out the accommodation options
Where to stay in Oman?
My favorites on a road trip:
- Muscat – capital city – see best rated accommodations
- Nizwa – to explore the forts and hinterlands – see best rated accommodations
- Sur – for the turtles, beaches, wadis… – see best rated accommodations
- Wahiba Sands – for the experience of sleeping in the desert – see best rated accommodations
- Salalah – to explore the Southern lands – see best rated accommodations
- Khasab – to explore the Musandam Peninsula – see best rated accommodations
Fortifications around the village
The village was surrounded by a wall with gates at both ends of a central street. The wall is still here.
Notice how modern road feature are just added around.
Large Mansions in Ibra Old Quarter
Those ruins are some of the most impressive I saw in Oman because most of the houses were 2 story mansions of mud and bricks.
The size is evidence of the wealth of their owners at the time.
They had beautiful arches which remain to this day.
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But I also like other drinks and sweets!
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Detailed Decors in the Ibra ruins
One of the reason you should plan one hour to visit is that the houses were richly decorated and it is still possible to admire some of that detail work: the cut and chiseling of the arches, the door frames and doors themselves.
The Old Mosques of Al Munisifeh
Al Munisifeh also had 2 mosque buildings. They were simple.
Views from the top
If you proceed with cautions and stay on the thick walls, you can climb to the first level of one of the mansion. From there you can see the farming areas surrounding it.
Other things to do in Ibra (and around)
Apart from al Munisifeh you can also:
- Visit the other ruins at Al Kanatar,
- Visit the Ibra Ladies Souk on Wednesday,
- Admire the many watchtowers,
- The old fort of Ibra (private building)
- Take a trip to Wahiba Sands – learn more about the dunes and desert
- Enjoy a swim in Wadi Bani Khalid (1h drive) – learn more
Want to see more of Oman?
- Best Things to do in Oman – read article
- Best of photos from Oman – Landscapes – read article
- Where to stay in Oman – read article
- Best days trips from Muscat – read article
- Planning a road trip in Oman – read article
- Driving in Oman – read article
- Best Things to do in Muscat – read article
- The impressive Wadi Shab – read article
- The Bimmah Sinkhole – read article
- The Ras Al Jinz turtle reserves – read article
Planning a trip to Oman?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip in Oman thanks to my guide
- 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 190+ pre-selected locations
- Tips to make the most of your time
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- 100+ original photos to help you choose
And keep track of your own trip!
Want to see more of Oman’s beauty?
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