Qal'eh Dokhtar, Mountain fortress in Firuzabad County, Iran.
Qal'eh Dokhtar is a stone fortress built on a mountain slope near the Firuzabad-Kavar road, featuring three distinct levels connected by a spiral staircase. The structure showcases a square hall with a domed roof supported by four arches, demonstrating the architectural skill of its builders.
The fortress was constructed during the early Sassanid era and marked a turning point in Persian architecture and military strategy. It has endured for centuries and stands as important evidence of how power was defended and asserted during the establishment of a new empire.
The fortress name references the goddess Anahita and includes an early example of an Iranian chartaq, a square structure with four arches supporting a dome.
Climbing to the fortress requires physical effort and sturdy footwear, as paths are steep and uneven. Visitors should bring plenty of water and check conditions before visiting, as erosion has affected parts of the structure.
The fortress contains a rectangular hall supported by quarter circle squinches, employing advanced engineering techniques from the third century. This architectural solution was a sophisticated method for spanning large spaces without central columns.
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