Muscat: Visiting Misfat Al Abriyeen village is an enchanting experience, with breathtaking views greeting you even before you arrive. The scenic mountain road to the village offers a panoramic view of Al Hamra, showcasing verdant farms and majestic mountains.
Upon reaching Misfat Al Abriyeen, you are welcomed by the charming old houses, each narrating its own unique story. For a genuine taste of the village’s simple life, Harit al Misfah Inn is the perfect choice.
Harit al Misfah Inn is distinguished by its heritage-style façade, reflecting the rich Omani history and tradition. The inn preserves the ancestral heritage and the historical value of ancient houses. It features a reception hall and traditionally furnished rooms, with handmade beds crafted from Kendal wood. The upstairs restaurant offers a breathtaking view, ideal for appreciating the natural beauty and capturing memorable photos of the sprawling Misfah farms.
Said al Hatali, the owner of the inn, shared that its construction dates back 150 years, presenting challenges during restoration. Nonetheless, the inn emerged with an exceptional and unique appearance. Located in the heart of the village, in the archaeological Annur al-Hara square, it attracts numerous tourists. The inn’s interior design, crafted by young Omanis, uses high-quality wood and showcases Omani identity.
The inn offers various activities for tourists, such as hiking on ancient mountain paths that ancestors used before the 1970s to reach freshwater pools and scenic camping spots overlooking the village farms. Nearby, Roghan Café offers a fabulous view, named after a Persian fort built before Islam. The café provides a scenic view of the ‘falajes’, old houses, and castles, allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning Omani landscape while savouring their coffee.
Misfah, meaning “the place that avoids the wind,” was settled long ago due to a water spring. Agricultural channels were then extended to irrigate the fields. Each family has a share of free water, with irrigation following a specific schedule to distribute ‘falaj’ water day and night to all families.
The village, now a heritage site, features houses built from stones and sarooj, a type of burnt clay. Rocks with ancient inscriptions indicate early human settlement in the area.
What sets the village apart is its mountain slope farming. In the past, lemons were a significant crop for Misfah, but a virus later destroyed the lemon trees. Consequently, villagers began extensively growing palm trees, oranges, mangoes, pomegranates, figs, olives, bananas, and other crops.
Walking through the old town, it might seem deserted initially, but you will soon hear children playing and see people tending to their plants. Some families have not abandoned their birthplace, maintaining their old habits and traditions in this harsh landscape, fostering a bond of harmony and affection. The people of Al Misfah live in harmony with its natural beauty and resources.
All this grandeur is hidden in the Wilayat of Al Hamra, known for its cultural and historical landmarks. It combines mountains, plains, water, and diverse trees, with houses on mountain slopes narrating Oman’s illustrious past.
The wilayat is perfect for nature tourism enthusiasts, offering numerous caves like Al Hoota Cave and Al Kadan Cave, and many wadis that irrigate its lush farms and uniquely beautiful mountainous agricultural terraces.
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