Oman: Jabreen Castle
The super impressive medieval castle in the small town of Jabreen was built in 1679-82 by Imam Bil’arab bin Sultan, the same sultan who expelled the Portuguese in the 1690 and also built the spectacular Nizwa Fort. Frankincense trade brought immense riches to Oman that were poured into castles and forts, and Jabreen Castle is one of the prime examples. High defensive walls with turreted towers surround the inner courtyards with decorated rooms, painted wood ceilings, arcaded hallways, library, prayer rooms, and basements where date molasses were produced and stored.
