The city referred to as "Muscat" is in fact three smaller towns which have grown together over time. They are:* Muscat - often referred to as the "walled city", Muscat proper is the site of the royal palaces. * Matrah (Matruh) - originally a fishing village, and home to the maze-like Matrah Souq. * Ruwi - generally considered the commercial and diplomatic centre of the city.