The capital city of southern Oman’s Dhofar province, Salalah is known for its lush banana plantations and sunny beaches skirting the Arabian Sea that are home to an impressive collection of marine life. However, during the golden days of its history, Salalah was famous for quite a different reason and that was frankincense. This was the reason behind Salalah’s peak of prosperity in the 13th Century. The frankincense of Salalah was shipped across the world from the affiliated ports of Khor Rori and Al-Baleed. The ruins of these have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and when you visit them you must also visit the museum here as it will give the opportunity to gain an insight of the ‘Land of Frankincense’.
One of the top Salalah attractions, the Museum of the Frankincense Land is of such immense historical value that many luxury resorts like the Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, provide tours to the site for guests who wish to know more about its culture and history. It’s quite easy find as its located at the Al Baleed Archaeological Park.
Inside the museum you will find an impressive array of artefacts that depict the illustrious maritime power of the nation due to the frankincense trade. Among these are such wonderful vintage and modern pictures of places in Oman and through these you can see the development of the nation through the years.
The Museum of the Frankincense Land is situated in the middle of a site that extends for several kilometres. Sprawled along the extent of this land are charming landscaped paths that are great to take a leisurely stroll. A visit here is also good excursion for bird watchers as there are adjoining reed beds that are home to a variety of endemic and migratory bird species.
Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world.
