This castle is called Bayt Ar Rudaydah from its proximity to an old dam that stopped the valley waters from flooding Birkat Al Mawz in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate. Falaj Khatmayn, which springs from Al Jabal Al Akhdar (Green Mountain) and which has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list, passes this castle. Bayt Ar Rudaydah dates back to the seventeenth century. It lies about 24 kilometres from Nizwa in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate, at the entrance of Wadi Al Muaydin. The Castle combines the defensive and traditional elements of architecture, as its thick walls, topped with towers constructed of brick clay, hide an architecture elegance that is revealed in the shape of multiple arches, painted ceilings and elaborate plaster engravings. Bayt Ar Rudaydah Castle has been converted into a heritage weapons museum which displays the historical progression traditional weapons in Oman.

Birkat al Mouz is also a great place to have a look at the traditional Afalj / Falaj. It is a ancient traditional irrigation system which is on the Unesco World heritage list. This Irrigation System from Oman is made of ancient water channels from 500 AD. They are examples a system that dates back 5000 years.

Harat al Saybani was built as the primary residence, and it probably equated, in its heyday, to a family mansion. To the East, Harat al Maqasir appears to have been strongly fortified, with a strategic view of the surrounding area, and the research found that the fourth pillar in the settlement’s ‘defenses,’ Harat al Wadi, also shared many of the characteristics of a souq, and was therefore most likely a trading and marketing location that could be kept secure.

This house is very strategic and is one of the best places to see the old ruins of Birkat al Mouz and the surrounding area. Located above the entrance of the village, people call it ‘Al Sabah al Garbi’ — which does justice to it being the entrance to history. Taking the stairs to the first floor, the cafe welcomes the guests. While the main cafe area where the coffee is made is enclosed in glass, there is a sitting area that looks into the farms. We offer you a complimentary coffee and water in this place, as part of the package.