The ruined village of Al Munisifeh, a few kilometers from the town of Ibra, shows visitors a glimpse at a wealthy period during which the town's rich business men built magnificent mudbrick mansions.
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INFO & PLANNING TIPS - Al Munisifeh
Ibra is the main town in inland Oman (not to be confused with Ibri). I 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 Kanata.
Tourists normally stops at Al Munisifeh which has more decor details left and impressive structures still standing.
Al Munisifeh 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 building with walls and rest of doors or arches.
TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS
Getting to Al Munisfeh
- Ibra is just 2 hours from Muscat inland via road 23
- Fro the Ibra Souq Al Munisifeh is clearly indicated on road signs
GPS coordinates, easy-to-plan maps and practical info in the eBook: Experience Oman
Visiting Al Munisifeh
- The ruins are free access. Just park outside the wall and go explore on foot
- Be careful, those are ruins and stability is not ensured
- Plan 1 hour to admire the many buildings
Fortification
The village was surrounded by a wall with gates at both ends of a central street. The wall is still here.
Noticed how modern road feature are just added around.
Large Mansions of Al Munisifeh
Those ruins are some of the most impressive I saw in Oman because most of the houses where 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
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.
This location, along with many other beautiful places, is included in my eBook: Experience Oman.
It is a practical tool to plan your trip with maps, photos, planning tips, GPS coordinates...
The Mosques of Al Munisifeh
Al Munisifeh also had 2 mosque buildings. They were simple.
If you want to see more pictures, check out the post by Catbirdinoman.
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.
Want to see more of Oman's beauty?
Discover more things to do and places to see in Oman in my online Oman Destination Guide.
Do you like visiting ruins?