Taqah Castle (also written as Taqa Castle and in Arabic حصن طاقة) is not only the most prominent landmark of Taqa but also one of the most distinguished landmark of Dhofar. It is located near Salalah, Oman.
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History of Taqah Castle
This castle was built in 19th century as a private residence of Sheikh Ali bin Timman Al Ma’shani.
During the reign of Sultan Taimur bin Faisal, which was from 1913 until 1932, Taqa Castle became government property and served two purposes – administrative center and residence for local governors (in Arabic Walis).
After Sultan Taimur, it remained the residence of ten other succeeding governors until 1984. Sheikh Marhoon bin Ali bin Saif al Ma’mari had two tenures as the governor. The last governor to reside in this castle was Mohammad bin Abdullah bin Ali Swakhroun.
The list of all the governors residing in the castle is mounted on the wall at the entrance of the castle.
In 1991, the Ministry of Heritage and Culture assumed the responsibility of the castle and restored the castle in accordance with its original design in 1992, which was 1412 as per Islamic Hijri calendar.
Location of Taqah Castle
Located on Al Husn Street, off Taqah Street, Taqa Castle GPS Coordinates are 17°02’20.7″N 54°23’43.3″E. Its estimated covered area is 600 square meters.
The rooms in castle are filled with ancient weapons, jewelleries, furnitures, paintings and day to day use items, making the castle looks like someone is living.
Ground Floor of the Castle
In the lower floor (ground level), there are Barza, Guard Room, Prison, Well, Tannur Oven, Bath, and Stores for Household items, weapons, equipment, firewood and food, a courtyard and the Exhibits Hall.
Barza is the main entrance of the castle, where the Wali receive the public and the dignitaries.
The castle was well designed for protection of the Wali. For the defense requirement, there was a guard room and weapon store. The food stores stockpiled large quantities of dried fish, grain, dates and other important supplies. Firewood were kept in a dedicated store.
A Well (called Tawi in Arabic) is located in the courtyard. The purpose of this well was to provide ample supply of water to the residents for drinking. This water couldn’t be poisoned from outside.
The outdoor well ventilated oven was used for roasting the meat and fish and for making the bread for daily consumption. The well is nearby the oven.
This roofless jail was used to keep the prisoners under surveillance by the soldiers. There are shackles in the prison.
First Floor of the Castle
The stairs lead to First floor, where Kitchen, Ablution Room, Rest Places for Morning, Afternoon and Nighttime, Wali’s Private Suite.
The elegant private suite of Wali comprises of lobby, Wali’s Bedroom, Children’s Bedroom and a majlis.
There are three watch towers – Southeast, Southwest and Northwest. These towers are on the corner of the castle and provided surveillance over land and sea movement towards the castle.
Opening Hours of Taqa Castle
The castle is open 6 days a week (Saturday to Thursday) from 9 am to 4 pm daily. On Friday, which is weekly holiday in Oman and a day with weekly afternoon prayer of Jumma, the castle is only open from 8 am to 11 am. On the Friday afternoon it’s closed.
Taqa Castle Ticket Price
There is a nominal entrance ticket to Taqa Castle. For adults its 500 Biazas i.e. 1.3 USD, while for children with families its 100 Biazas. (Conversion: 1,000 Biazas make 1 Omani Rial and 1 Omani rial is pegged with 2.6 USD)