Jabrin Castle: Oman's most beautiful fortified palace

Jabrin Castle, a few kilometres from Bahla, looks like a fortress from outside but was built as a palace. Imam Bil'arab bin Sultan of the Ya'rubi dynasty built it in the 1670s as his residence and a centre of learning, and he is buried within its walls.

What to see

• Painted wooden ceilings decorated with floral patterns and inscriptions, among the finest in Oman.
• Carved doors and windows and decorated plaster.
• Hidden passages and staircases, defensive features and date stores.
• The roof terraces, with views over the plain and the mountains.
• The imam's tomb.

Visiting

The castle opens daily with reduced hours on Fridays; check current times. Allow an hour to explore its many rooms.

Tips

Visit together with Bahla Fort and Nizwa. In the summer heat, go early in the morning.

Staying near and owning a home

Most visitors explore Oman from a base in Muscat. If you are thinking of buying, R2LUX sells homes in the communities where foreigners can own; three current listings are below.