Samad al-Shan
An archaeological site in the Sharqiyah region where remains of the Late Iron Age were first identified. The period is now called Samad, after the site, and finds include tombs and pottery.
- Where
- Sama'il, North Ash Sharqiyah, Oman
- Grade
- Local gem
- Worth
- 10 points collected on site
- Coordinates
- 22.8111, 58.1500
Get the Samad al-Shan stamp
Open LOQAH when you are at Samad al-Shan. It checks where you are once, at that moment, and the stamp is yours: confirmed on site in gold and struck with the date. It goes into your North Ash Sharqiyah volume with your photos and a note.
Near Samad al-Shan
Mazin Bin Ghadoubah Mosque 57 km
A mosque in Samail, in the Ad Dakhiliyah region of Oman, also known as Masjid Al Midmar. It was founded by Mazin bin Ghadoubah, an early convert to Islam in Oman, and is often counted among the oldest mosques in the country.
Oman Across Ages Museum 61 km
A national museum in the interior of Oman, whose foundation stone was laid by Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 2015. It was designed by Cox Architects and inaugurated by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in 2023, telling the story of Oman from prehistory to the present.
Nizwa Fort 65 km
A 17th century fortress in the heart of Nizwa, built in the 1650s under Imam Sultan bin Saif. Its huge round tower, with walls several metres thick, is the landmark of the old capital, and visitors climb to the roof for views over the palm groves.
Aflaj Irrigation System 66 km
A set of ancient channels that carry water from springs and underground sources to fields and villages across Oman. The systems date from about AD 500, and several, including Falaj Daris near Nizwa, are still shared out by traditional timetables.
Al Thowarah Hot Spring 71 km
A natural hot spring a few kilometres from Nakhal Fort, off the road that connects Barka with Rustaq. The warm water runs through channels beside the road and fills small pools where local families come to bathe and rest.
Nakhal Fort 73 km
A large fortress in the Al Batinah region, standing on a rocky hill above the date palm oasis of Nakhal. Its foundations are said to predate Islam, and the restored rooms, towers and cannons can be explored up to the roof.
Wadi Dhaiqah 80 km
A canyon east of Muscat, used for a large dam which gathers water from the Hajar Mountains. The reservoir lies amid rocky slopes and is a quiet stop for visitors from the capital.
Al Hoota Cave 87 km
A show cave of about 5 kilometres in the mountain near Al Hamra, with lakes, stalactites and stalagmites. Local people have known it for centuries, and visitors enter on a small train and then walk on a marked path.
More hidden gems in North Ash Sharqiyah
Questions
Where is Samad al-Shan?
Samad al-Shan is in Sama'il, North Ash Sharqiyah, Oman. The nearest other LOQAH stamps are Mazin Bin Ghadoubah Mosque (57 km), Oman Across Ages Museum (61 km), Nizwa Fort (65 km).
How do I get the Samad al-Shan stamp?
Open LOQAH when you are at Samad al-Shan and get its stamp. The app checks where you are once, at that moment, and the stamp goes into your North Ash Sharqiyah volume, confirmed on site, with the date.
I have been to Samad al-Shan before. Can I still have the stamp?
Yes. Add it from Earlier trips in your North Ash Sharqiyah volume, with the date if you know it, or import your Google Timeline and LOQAH matches the places you were.
Collect your first stamp.
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