Our journey into Salalah's history begins with a visit to the Land of Frankincense Museum, which is a true gem among local attractions. It's a place where the past comes to life and the history of frankincense - one of the most valuable commodities of the ancient world - is told in a fascinating way.

The museum, located in the heart of Salalah, is part of a larger complex listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fact alone attests to its exceptional historical and cultural value. The interior of the museum is divided into two main halls: maritime and historical, allowing visitors to comprehensively explore not only the history of frankincense, but also the maritime tradition of the region.

Impressive models of Omani boats and a rich collection of ancient navigational instruments await in the maritime hall. This is an excellent opportunity to understand the important role Oman has played in maritime trade over the centuries. Children are sure to be delighted to see up close what ancient ships and tools used by sailors looked like.

The historical hall takes us into the middle of the fascinating story of the Land of Kadzidla. Here we can admire precisely made models of mosques and tombs, which allow us to imagine what life was like in this region hundreds of years ago. Exhibits related to the production and trade of frankincense give a glimpse of how important this aroma was to ancient civilizations.

One of the museum's greatest strengths is its interactive nature. Visitors can not only look at the exhibits, but also touch some of them, smell the incense or take part in demonstrations of its production. This makes the visit a real multi-sensory experience, ideal for families with children.

It is worth noting that the museum is relatively new and well-maintained. Descriptions of the exhibits are available in Arabic and English, making it easy to understand the historical context even for those who don't speak the local language. The museum's staff is helpful and willing to share their knowledge, which further enhances the visiting experience.

The only downside, as pointed out by some visitors, is that the museum may seem a bit small compared to the expectations one might have for such an important topic. However, the quality of the exhibits on display and the way they are displayed fully compensate for this inconvenience.

The next stop on our historical tour is Al Baleed Archaeological Park, a place that takes us even deeper into Oman's past. This vast archaeological complex, also a UNESCO-listed site, is the remains of the ancient port city of Al Baleed, which flourished here between the 8th and 16th centuries.

The archaeological park is more than just ruins - it's a living testament to the region's rich history of trade and culture. Walking among the remains of walls, mosques and palaces, we can imagine how vibrant this medieval port city was. Especially impressive are the ruins of the Grand Mosque, which give an idea of the scale and importance of this place of worship.

One of the biggest advantages of the park is its vastness and open space. It is an ideal place for families with children, who can freely explore the grounds while learning about history. The paths are well marked and the information on the boards is available in several languages, making it easy to explore on your own.

Worth noting is the irrigation system that has been preserved to this day. It's a fascinating example of ancient engineering, showing how the people of Al Baleed coped with the harsh climatic conditions. For children, it can be a great lesson on the importance of managing water wisely.

An additional attraction is the opportunity to take a boat cruise on the canal surrounding the park. This is not only a pleasant way to cool off on a hot day, but also an opportunity to see the ruins from a different perspective. Cruises are especially popular with families with children.

Compared to the Land of Frankincense Museum, Al Baleed Archaeological Park offers a more 'raw' historical experience. Here, history is not enclosed in display cases, but surrounds us from all sides. It may be more challenging for younger children, but certainly fascinating for older children and adults.

The only downside you should be prepared for is the lack of natural shade in most of the park area. Visiting can be tiring on hot days, so it is recommended to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. It's also a good idea to bring water and headgear with you.

In conclusion, Al Baleed Archaeological Park is a place that allows you to really feel the spirit of ancient Oman. It's not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity to spend time outdoors and enjoy the beauty of Salalah's landscape. For families looking for an educational experience combined with active recreation, this place is a must-see on the list of attractions to visit.

Our journey through Salalah's history would not be complete without a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Mosque. While not a typical museum, this impressive structure serves as a bridge of sorts between the past and the present, serving as a testament to Oman's rich culture and traditions.

The Sultan Qaboos Mosque, completed in 2009, is a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture. Its design, the result of a collaboration between architects from Italy, Morocco and Oman, combines traditional elements of Islamic art with modern architectural solutions. This makes the mosque not only a place of worship, but also a kind of museum of architecture and art.

Even from a distance, the mosque's distinctive white walls and domes are visible, contrasting with the blue skies of Salalah. As we approach the building, our attention is drawn to the rich decorations, intricate mosaics and calligraphic inscriptions adorning the facade. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce children to the world of Islamic art and tell them about the importance of geometric patterns and calligraphy in this culture.

The interior of the mosque is just as impressive as its exterior. The huge prayer hall, which can accommodate some 2,500 worshippers, impresses with its size and richness of decoration. Of particular note is the huge central chandelier and the hand-woven carpet that covers the entire floor of the hall. This is an excellent opportunity to tell children about Oman's traditional crafts and the importance of prayer in Islam.

One of the biggest advantages of the mosque is that it is open to the public, including non-Muslims. This is a rare opportunity to see the inside of a working mosque and better understand Islamic culture. For families with children, it's an excellent lesson in tolerance and respect for other religions.

It is worth noting the library and auditorium, which are located within the complex. These are places where lectures and educational meetings are held, highlighting the mosque's role not only as a place of prayer, but also as a center for education and culture.

Compared to the previously described sites, the Sultan Qaboos Mosque offers a more 'structured' tour experience. The route is clearly defined, and guides are available to answer questions and explain the significance of the various pieces of architecture and decor. This can be helpful for families with younger children who need a more structured tour.

The only restriction to keep in mind is the need to dress appropriately. Both adults and children must have their arms and legs covered, and women should also wear a head covering. The mosque provides appropriate attire for tourists who are not dressed appropriately.

In conclusion, the Sultan Qaboos Mosque is not only a place of worship, but also a living museum of modern Islamic architecture. It's the perfect place to end our journey through Salalah's history, showing how tradition and modernity are intertwined in Omani culture. For families with children, this is not only a lesson in history and architecture, but also an opportunity to talk about the cultural and religious diversity of the world.