Ras Al Hadd Castle

Ras Al Hadd Castle is one of the prominent historical landmarks in the Wilayat of Sur, Ash Sharqiyah South Governorate. It is located in the Ras Al Hadd district, about 35 kilometers from the town center. The castle enjoys a strategic position on an elevated plateau overlooking residential areas, coastal sites, and the entrance to Khor Al-Hajar, making it an important defensive center at the maritime boundary between the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The surrounding area is also notable as the first point in the Arabian Peninsula where the sun rises. Construction of the castle began in the 16th century with the participation of all the local tribes. Built from stone and gypsum, it resulted in a sturdy structure consisting of a main citadel and two towers connected by a massive wall nearly three meters thick. At the entrance, visitors are welcomed by a large gate leading to a wide corridor once used for receiving tribes and holding councils. The castle also contains various rooms, including a sabla (community hall) for resolving disputes, waiting rooms, and others that served as temporary prisons. The castle’s defensive facilities are diverse. At the top lies a masabba (pouring opening) used to drop hot substances on attackers, while the western tower holds cannons, one of which remains in place today. The inner citadel, serving as the last line of defense, rises over 13 meters high and includes a circular tower and an underground passage extending about 500 meters, leading to a freshwater well known as Bir Marfas. The ceilings of the castle were built using teak wood imported from India, along with timber from Mombasa and Zanzibar — reflecting both the diversity of construction materials and Oman’s far-reaching maritime connections. Despite the passing of centuries, the castle has endured, undergoing two restorations: the first in 1989, and the second in 2008 following climatic events. Today, Ras Al Hadd castle attracts visitors with its unique historical, architectural, and touristic value.