Discover the Ibra Old Quarter 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.
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Why visit the the old quater of Ibra Oman?
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.
It can be refered to as Ibra old quarter, Al Munisifeh, Al Munisifah or Al Minzifah...
PLANNING TIPS - Al Munisifeh ruins
Getting to Al Munisfeh
- Muscat to Ibra = 2 hour drive via road 23
- From the Ibra Souq Al Munisifeh is clearly indicated on road signs
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Visiting Al Munisifeh
- 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
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.
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 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.
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?
Do you like visiting ruins?
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