Bayt Ar Ridaydah Castle

Bayt Ar Ridaydah Castle lies in the town of Birkat Al Mouz (or Mawz), in the Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate in Oman.

Bayt Ar Ridaydah Castle dates back to the 17th century and was one of the fortresses of the Bani Riyam tribe, which controlled the mountain heartland. The castle is situated at the exit of the Wadi Al Muaydin out of the Hajar Mountains and protected the Birkat Al Mouz oasis. There is a falaj (a man-made, partly underground water channel) crossing the castle grounds, called the Falaj Al Khatmain. In the last century the castle had fallen to ruin, but it was restored in recent decades. Apparently it now houses a heritage weapons museum.

There are several watch towers, which aided the castle in its defense of the settlement, topping nearby hills; the Birkat Al Mouz Towers, as I named them.

Sadly enough, Bayt Ar Ridaydah Castle was closed when I visited. I also couldn't find any opening times, so I don't know if the museum is still in operation. The road next to it, following the wadi, is the only road giving access to the Jebel Akhdar; one of the highest mountains of the Al Hajar.

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