The mighty 17th century Jabrin Fort is one of the most beautiful castles of its kind in the Sultanat of Oman. The owner of this splendid building, that is more like a palace than a fort, was noble scholar, Imam Bilarab Bin Sultan, who in 1670 moved his government headquarters to Jabrin.

The interior of the castle with its furnishings and every day objects gives a strong impression of the way of life of its former occupants during this historic epoch.

Most of the wooden ceilings, numerous vaults and arches are adorned with artistic calligraphy, verses from the Koran and floral motifs. In addition to the splendid furnishings of its interior, the castle contains hidden corridors and secret rooms in which it was possible to eavesdrop on private conversations, precautionary measures that were taken due to increasing tension between Bilarab and his brother, Saif Bin Sultan.

With Jabrin’s two diagonal towers, Bilarab had created a monument which for many years to come would be a unique example of Osmanic fortress architecture and one that served as a model for many more of the country’s fortifications.