Anybody interested in learning more about the country’s rich cultural and historical legacy should visit Misfat Al Abriyeen — a beautiful mountain village located in the heart of Oman’s Al Hajar Mountains, which offer a stunning natural backdrop to the village’s traditional architecture.
But while many people have probably explored this village in the daytime, walking through its gardens and exploring its ancient paths or even venturing into the challenging hiking path that leads out of the village, not a lot of people know that it is just as awe-inspiring at night time.
The distinctive architectural design of Misfat Al Abriyeen is one of the key factors making it a must-see location. All of the structures in the village are constructed from stone and mud bricks, and their charming wooden doors and windows add to their appeal. Visitors may get a real sense of Oman’s cultural legacy as the traditional style of architecture has been preserved over the centuries.
The recent renovations made possible through the cooperation between the villagers, private entities, and government support yielded great results. If in the past the village looked dead at night, it is now a vision of comfort and charm, as not only are the renovated structures well lit with hazy lights, but the pathways inside the village were also dramatically transformed and will almost remind you of the cobble-stone streets of romantic Paris, although those in Misfat Al Abriyeen are uniquely Omani in style.
At night, beautiful lanterns are lit. In the darkness, the first thing that will capture your attention is the towering Hissen Al Misfah and with the beautiful coffee shop on top, it is not only inviting but a testament that Misfat Al Abriyeen is moving towards becoming a day and night destination.
Walk through the maze inside the village, and you will find yourself in a big courtyard with a wide-covered pit in the middle. From here, there are several entrances to the different traditional inns all of them continuing the beautiful lighting found at the main entrance of the village. The beautifully painted doors are illuminated, demonstrating that even at night they are just as vibrant.
After watching the beautiful sunset, even late into the evening, Rogan café is also a vision in the middle of the dark garden. It’s usually one of the last places that turns off its lights, and this serves as an amazing hangout for everyone who chooses the silence and nature-embraced expanse of the village.
As a heritage village, the villagers usually go to bed early, so it’s the best place for relaxation, and for anyone who abhors the intrusive noise of the city, this is definitely a welcome escape.
As one of the oldest settlements in Oman with a history dating back more than 1,000 years, Misfat has done quite well for itself to acclimatise and adapt to modern changes while keeping true to its brand and spirit.
Once dawn comes, waking up to the villagers getting busy with their agricultural chores is a great site to see. Sleeping at one of the traditional inns offers the opportunity to catch the fleeting sunrise. Without the intrusion of other visitors, one will uniquely experience walking alongside the ancient falaj system that is still in use today, learning how it works and what its importance is to the village’s history.
The people of Misfat Al Abriyeen are well known for their warm hospitality. By staying in one of the village’s traditional guesthouses and mingling with the inhabitants, who are always willing to share their culture and traditions with visitors, tourists can get a glimpse into the Omani way of life in a more intimate manner.
So while the rest may go and visit Misfat Al Abriyeen in the morning, I urge you to also check it out at night and see what difference the experience makes. To make full use of your stay, do not get lost in your own company but instead, strike up a conversation with the locals. It might not be a party place but it definitely is a destination for those who can appreciate a simple life with some of the most authentic people.
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