Khasab Castle (حصن خصب) is located in Khasab, Musandam. The current form of the castle was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century on top of an ancient fort built in ancient unknown times. The Portuguese colonized Khasab as part of their plan to take control over the Strait of Hormuz, but they were removed from Khasab by the Omanis around the year 1624. The castle remained in control of the Omanis from that time. The castle was initially renovated in the year 1990 and then again developed to its current state in the year 2007.
Khasab Castle was used by the Omanis as a military base to combat the Portuguese and later simultaneously as a residence of the Wali of Khasab and as a city prison. The current castle features a cylindrical central tower in the center and a square-shaped outer wall. The current castle compound features an exhibition about the history of Musandam, a model of a traditional elevated summer house, a model of a date storage (Bait Al Quful), an old documents exhibition, and many rooms displaying jewellery, clothes, weapons, kitchen equipment, wedding decorations, and a Quran learning school.
The yard of Khasab Fort also displays three old Omani boats that originate from the village of Kamzar in the northern part of Musandam, along with a number of canons and old boats displayed at the entrance of the fort.
We found Khasab Fort to be one of the most enjoyable forts to visit in Oman, it is extremely well maintained and hosts numerous exhibits that illustrate many aspects of old Khasab and Oman. Visitors to Musandam should not miss out on visiting this great fort.
Khasab fort is located near the port of Khasab directly opposite the huge and imposing Lulu Hypermarket of Khasab. It is open from Saturday to Thursday from 9:00am to 4:00pm and on Friday from 8:00am to 11:00am. Entry fee is 0.5 Rial Omani for adults.
