Photos and text by Ali Ahmed al Riyami -
After having marvelled at the amazing citadel of Bahla, Bahla Fort, a short 11-kilometre drive away is one of the country’s most outstanding fortifications, the phenomenal Jabreen Castle.
Considering it was built over three 
centuries ago, the Castle gives visitors a real-life taste of what before could only have been imagined thanks to the sheer size, detail and manifold splendours of one of the Sultanate’s most amazing historical edifices.
Jabreen Castle has been fully renovated and visitors to 
this place have the opportunity of marvelling at the Castle’s remarkable blend of defensive architecture and sophisticated artistry. It was constructed primarily by Iman Bilarab bin Sultan al Ya’arubi in 1670, at the height of the Ya’aruba dynasty, and continues to dominate the local 
landscape. Mohammed bin Nasser al Ghafri resumed building activities and alterations to the Castle in the 18th Century. The Castle was then restored to its pristine condition from 1979 – 83 by the Ministry of Heritage and Culture.
The Observer spoke to a local resident 
and visitors for their impressions of the Castle and its surrounding environs: In his comments on Jabreen Castle, Hamed bin Ali al Rabani, a Tour Guide, noted, it is one of the best and most famous historical places in Oman. It is a castle 
with two buildings and 35 rooms. One of the rooms, he continued, which is perhaps the most historical room in Oman, is located on the second floor of the Castle. It is called the Sun and Moon room because the room has fourteen windows; 
seven lower ones to let in the sunlight and seven higher ones for moonlight, he explained.
He pointed out, the ceiling of this room has a special design that is supposed to ward off the ‘evil eye’. Another room on this floor is for receiving 
guests and beside it there is a secret passage where, prior to the meetings, soldiers of the Imam would gather and hide and in case of any trouble the Imam would clap his hands and the soldiers would appear to stifle it.
Quranic inscriptions can 
be seen on the stairway leading to the Imam’s suite. There are three levels to the castle, the first floor being mainly for the servants, and the second for direct employees of the Imam, while the third floor has a classroom for religious studies 
and a prayer room.
Hans Erdlenbruch and his family, who are from Belgium, had driven in from Muscat especially to see Jabreen Castle. He noted, the Castle is beautiful and well preserved; while his wife added, for her the interiors and the ancient relics, with the hidden places, big, enormous dining rooms and elaborate decorations are very impressive.
Hans and his wife said they were very pleased to be so warmly welcomed in Oman and loved the way that history and nature blend in together here. Further, they enjoyed their trekking trip in Wadi Shab and visits to the historic townships. They said they hope to be able to come back to Oman for future visits.
