Sur Old Town and Historic Forts
Explore the historic old town of Sur with its traditional Omani architecture, ancient forts, and watchtowers that protected this prosperous maritime trading city from raiders across the centuries.
- 1
Al-Ayjah Watchtowers
Discover the Al-Ayjah watchtowers across the creek from Sur, a cluster of round defensive towers that once protected the creek entrance from pirates, their solid mud-brick walls still standing after centuries.
- 2
Old Sur Quarter
Walk through the old Sur quarter where traditional two-story Omani merchant houses with ornate carved wooden doors face narrow lanes, their thick walls and shaded courtyards designed for the Gulf heat.
- 3
Al-Hamouda Fort
Visit Al-Hamouda Fort, a small but well-preserved defensive structure in the old town, its crenellated walls and corner towers typical of the compact forts that guarded every Omani coastal settlement.
- 4
Traditional Souq
Browse the traditional souq where local merchants sell fresh dates, frankincense, dried fish, and traditional Omani crafts, the simple market serving the fishing and seafaring community of Sur.
- 5
Old Merchant Houses
Admire the surviving old merchant houses built by wealthy Sur ship owners and traders, their ground floors once used as warehouses for Indian cotton, African ivory, and East Asian porcelain.
- 6
Town Mosque
See the historic town mosque whose minaret has called fishermen, sailors, and merchants to prayer for generations, a white tower above the rooftops visible from the returning dhows out at sea.