45.- MARCH 31 OMAN, MUSCAT (OLD CITY)

The Capital MUSCAT, from Arabic masquat, means "cliffs". Has 60,000 inhabitants. The city is aptly named for the sheer cliffs that form the inland boundaries. Creating a pleasant contrast of brown colors against the white sands.

MUSCAT'S
OLD TOWN, up to 1970, when Sultan QABOOS BIN SAID took the throne.











Back gate to the Al Alarm Palace, was built in 1970 on the site of the old palace, overlooking Muscat Bay,









Al Alarm Palace with oriental style architecture, is the official residence of Sultan Quaboos.

Old town is well preserved. It’s boundaries are marked by gated walls, enclosing the area around the port, the Sultan’s Palace and the harbor. With gates that used to be closed at night

Forts built in the 1580's during the Portuguese occupation .In 1650

In 1650, the Portuguese were driven out.