RJ25+J89, Manah, Oman
Al-Faiqain Castle in the Wilayat of Manah, Ad Dakhiliyah Province, with its tall towers, stands in the center of the village of Al-Faiqain and is considered one of the most important historical monuments in the wilayat. It demonstrates how deeply traditional Omani architecture has advanced in the construction of defensive structures.
The castle, surrounded on all sides by old houses and a date palm oasis, has preserved its shape and details for more than 400 years.
Halfan bin Salim Al-Busaidi, a researcher of Omani history, said: “Inscriptions found at the top of the castle indicate its construction date, which is dated to the year 1027 AH, corresponding to 1617 AD. It was built by a group of skilled and experienced engineers from the Wilayat of Manah. Several imams then played a certain role in defending Al-Faiqain Castle, as mentioned in manuscripts dated 1333 AD, including the manuscript of Imam Salim bin Rashid Al-Harusi.
Al-Faiqain Castle is known for its defensive fortifications, structural strength, and ancient architecture. The originality of Omani architecture lies in the division of the four-story castle into northern and southern parts. The northern part is defensive, while the southern part is intended for living quarters and storage of food, dates, grains, and so on. On the fourth floor is a library filled with shelves used for religious and scientific books, manuscripts, documents, and other archives.
In 1991, the Ministry of Heritage and Culture restored the entire castle, as it is part of Oman’s history. Damaged and weather-affected sections were restored and opened to visitors in 1994. In 2008, the castle was restored again; the towers, corridors, arches, and facing stones of the first floor were renovated. Original historical Omani plaster was used in the restoration of the entire castle.
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