Builty as the residence of Sheikh Ali bin Timman Al Ma’shani, during the reign of Sultan Taimur bin Faisal (r.1913-1932), the structure, known as Taqah Castle, became the administrative center and residence for the local governor (wali) presiding over the region; in the 1960s, its outer wall and defensive watchtowers were added to defend the wali. It served as the private residence of the wali until 1984. In 1991, the Ministry of Heritage and Culture renovated the structure, and in 1994 it was reopened as a museum. 

The Taqah Castle is built of stone and is two-stories; its defensive intent is evinced in its three watchtowers. The first floor features a reception hall (barza), guard’s room, weapon’s storage and prison, and the second floor housed the living quarters for the wali and his family, including a children’s room and business suite.

Sources:

Al-Balushi, Afrah. “Taqah Castle: A Historical Gem Reveals its Splendor to the Public.” Published July 12, 2023. Accessed July 26, 2025. https://www.omanobserver.om/article/1140032/oman/governorates/taqah-castle-a-historical-gem-reveals-its-splendour-to-the-public. Archived at: https://perma.cc/LV5Y-35DP. 

“Taqah Castle.” OmanTripper. https://omantripper.com/taqah-castle-dhofar/. Accessed July 26, 2025. Archived at: https://perma.cc/84ZK-2LFZ.