Taqah Fort in Dhofar Governorate reopened

Muscat: The Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate on Wednesday marked the reopening of Taqah Castle after renovation.

The reopening of the monument in the ancient quarters of the Wilayat of Taqah activates its role as a major tourist attraction in the Dhofar Governorate.

The castle consists of two floors: a ground floor that showcases old weapons stores, supplies and military rooms, and an upper floor that consists of three rooms, a hall and a residence for the Wali.

The Acting Director of the Heritage Department, said: “The restoration work at the fort included repairing some rooms and cracks in the internal and external walls, and replacing the damaged components.

The reopening of the fort, which is located in the old neighborhood of the Wilayat of Taqah, will become one of the tourist attractions in the governorate in general and the wilayat in particular.

The castle was built in the 19th Century during the reign of Sultan Taimour bin Faisal (1913-1932) as an administrative headquarters for the wali. Its walls are constructed of hard limestone, known locally as energy stone from the local quarries.

The ceremony was held under the auspices of Sheikh Tarik Khalid Al Hinai, Wali of Taqah.

The efforts of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism are continuing to revive historical monuments by employing them in cooperation with the private sector and providing technical support for individual initiatives to restore their buildings for sustainable tourism.