Khasab Fort

Khasab Castle in Musandam Governorate is one of the most important historical Castles of Oman. It was built at the beginning of the 17th century during the reign of Imam Nasir bin Murshid Al-Ya’rubi. The Castle stands on the coast of Khasab city, overlooking the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Gulf, which gave it high strategic importance in defending against naval attacks. The Castle is square in shape, with four corner towers, two floors, and a single main entrance. Inside its walls lies a massive central tower once used for cannons, along with a rectangular bait al-qufl (lock house), and a summer house built of palm fronds containing several rooms for various purposes. The Castle also housed cannons and boats stored for defense and transport. Constructed from mud, gravel, and sarooj (traditional mortar), the Castle reflects multiple phases of construction over the centuries, with its oldest part being the circular central tower. Historical sources indicate that the Castle was expanded in the 11th century AH / 17th century AD and reinforced during the Portuguese occupation of the Omani coasts. Later, Imam Ahmed bin Said Al-Busaidi and Sayyid Said bin Sultan added further fortifications to strengthen it. During the reign of Sultan Said bin Taimur, all sections of the Castle were restored. Over time, it served various purposes, including as a residence for the governor, housing for soldiers, and later as a court and judge’s office. Today, Khasab Castle stands as a remarkable tourist destination, renowned for its unique architectural design and its blend of historical heritage with the captivating coastal landscape — making it a site that attracts visitors eager to explore the essence of Omani history and enjoy its stunning seaside views.