Ibra old town (Al Munisifeh, Oman): tips + photos of ruins

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.

Al Munisifeh village ruins near Ibra - Oman - Travel Guide

Table Of Contents

Why visit the old town of Ibra, Oman?

Planning tips & Map - Ibra, Oman + Al Munisifeh ruins

Fortifications around the village

Large Mansions in Ibra Old Quarter

Detailed Decors in the Ibra ruins

The Old Mosques of Al Munisifeh

Views from the top

Other things to do in Ibra (and around)

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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.

Ruins at Ibra Old Town, Al Munisifeh

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:

Map Ibra in Oman - Location

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:

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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?

See my 36 practical tips
to choose the best car to rent
from Muscat or Salalah
for the roads in Oman
and find the best deals

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or directly see the best deals on my favorite platform

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 tips:

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 - the explore the Southern lands - see best rated accommodations
Khasab - to explore the Musandam Peninsula - see best rated accommodations

or check out my article on Where to stay in Oman

+ see more

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.

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.