Iran's Fortresses: A Guide to the 10 Most Stunning Castles
What is the historical significance of Rudkhan Castle?
Rudkhan Castle, located in the lush forests of Gilan province, dates back to the Sassanian era and was later fortified during the Seljuk period. This castle is famous for its large scale and impressive stone architecture, serving as a strategic military stronghold throughout the centuries. It’s particularly noted for its role in the resistance against the Abbasid invasion.
Is it possible to tour the inside of Alamut Castle?
Yes, visitors can explore the ruins of Alamut Castle, which are perched dramatically on a rock cliff in the Alborz mountains. Although much of the castle is in ruins, the site offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into the legendary history of the Assassins (Hashashin), making it a captivating visit for history enthusiasts.
What makes Falak-ol-Aflak Castle unique?
Falak-ol-Aflak Castle, located in Lorestan province, is distinguished by its stunning architecture and the strategic location atop a hill, offering extensive views of the surrounding city and landscape. This castle is one of the most well-preserved in Iran, featuring twelve towers and an inner courtyard, and now houses several museums.
When is the ideal season to visit Iran's castles?
The best time to visit these castles is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant for exploring outdoor historical sites.
Are there guided tours available for these castles?
Many of these castles can be visited on guided tours, which are available through local travel agencies. Guided tours are recommended as they provide historical context and details that might be missed otherwise.
Are these castles easily accessible for non-local visitors?
Most of the famous castles are accessible to international tourists, with road access and nearby facilities. However, some castles like Alamut require a hike up mountain paths, so a moderate level of fitness is beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions: Exploring Iran's Magnificent Castles
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Rudkhan Castle
This castle, nestled in the heart of the dense forests of Gilan province, has now become a tourist attraction in the country. The route to reach this enduring fortress is about twenty kilometers from Fuman to the northeast. The castle covers an area of 2.6 hectares, its walls stretch for 1,500 meters, and there are 935 steps from the Rudkhan village to the court itself. Rudkhan Castle, also known as Hessami, was built during the Sassanid era and was renovated during the Seljuk period.
Alamut Castle
One of Iran’s unique and famous historical castles is Alamut Castle, also known among locals as “Hassan’s Castle.” The wall of this castle stretches for 120 meters, and its width varies between 10 to 35 meters in different parts. To the south of the Alamut mountain, a moat was dug to deter invaders, measuring 50 meters in length and 2 meters in width. During the Mongol invasion of Iran, the castle was set on fire by Hulagu Khan’s order and later used as a prison.
Falak-ol-Aflak Castle
Falak-ol-Aflak Castle, One of the most enduring castles in Iran, stands atop a hill overlooking Khorramabad. You can spot this castle no matter where you look from within the city. The use of this castle was solely military and governmental, and it was constructed during the Sassanid era. Another name for this sturdy historical building is “the Twelve-Towered Castle.” A distinct architectural feature of this castle is the existence of various routes within its underground spaces.
Qiz Qalasi (Maiden's Castle)
Qiz Qalasi village, meaning “Maiden’s Castle,” is south of Ardabil. The construction of this castle dates back to ancient times, and today, remnants of it remain in the northwestern part of the village. There are many legends about Qiz Qalasi, one of which is about the people fleeing the city due to an invasion of snakes.
Sab Castle
“Sab” means spring location, and due to the many springs in this region, the castle was named Sab. It’s also known as the country’s most beautiful and intact castle. The castle’s history dates back to before the Qajar era. In the castle’s central courtyard, a well has been dug into the rock to provide drinking water for its inhabitants. The tallest brick building in Sib Sawaran city is located about 50 kilometers from the city of Saravan.
Karim Khan Citadel
Among the attractions of Shiraz, the Karim Khan Citadel is one of the most famous. This magnificent structure, located in the center of Shiraz, is a grand piece of architecture from the Zand era, constructed by Karim Khan Zand, known as Vakil al-Ra’aya, in 1761 AD (1180 AH lunar). The citadel was both the residence and the ruling place of Karim Khan, which is why it’s commonly known as the Karim Khan Citadel. The Karim Khan Citadel was listed as a national heritage of Iran in 1972 AD
Narin Castle
This historical monument, located in Meybod, Yazd, is locally known as Narenj Castle. Entirely made of brick and mud, it stands atop a mud hill. Before Islam’s advent, the castle had a protective system, including a moat, fortress, and watchtowers, which were destroyed during the Pahlavi era when the road was constructed.
Babak Castle
This castle is situated in one of the most beautiful landscapes of Iran. Babak Castle is perched atop a mountain at an altitude of 2300 meters in the Arasbaran forests. The castle is also known as the “Immortal Castle” or “Republic Castle” and is regarded as a national symbol. The reason for these names is due to the valiant defense by Babak Khorramdin against the Arab invaders. Access to this astonishing castle is still possible through some stairs, which have been partially damaged. Never miss the opportunity to visit the remarkable Babak Castle!
