The castle’s foundations and fortifications have been built to withstand bombardments from mortars. Out of its once formidable armaments only two cannons at the entrance and four out of 24 cannons that were on top of the castle tower remain with a few rusting cannon balls. At the height of its power the castle had enough fire power to repulse all sorts of attackers. With battlements, turrets, secret shafts, false doors, wells, a heavy wooden door with spikes and a narrow twisting staircase, the castle and the tower were well designed to foil the progress of enemies if they succeeded in getting inside. Built over an underground stream and with several cisterns in the compound and underground cellars for ammunition and other supplies the castle could sit out even a long drawn out siege. A wall running round inside the top of the tower allowed 120 guards to keep watch over the surrounding countryside and soldiers at the 480 gun ports could provide a sustained withering fire when necessary.
The castle was restored a few years ago under a programme to preserve the Sultanate’s rich architectural heritage. It is used each month for meetings between the sultan’s representative and the people of the area.
Spread out over an extensive beach location with its own marina, Millennium Resort Mussanah offers a selection of spacious well appointed contemporary rooms with private balconies and a range of fully furnished serviced apartments with access to a host of services and amenities to suit both business and leisure travellers. Excellent on site recreational and leisure facilities at this Muscat hotel include motorized water sports, snorkeling, an outdoor pool, a state of the art gym, tennis courts and pampering spa treatments. Combined with friendly, efficient service this Oman resort is committed to ensuring that guests have a relaxing and hassle free holiday here.
