Iraj Castle, Military fortress in Asgariyeh Rural District, Iran
Iraj Castle is a Sasanian-era fortress located in Asgariyeh Rural District, Iran, built from adobe, brick, and plaster in a style typical of that period. Its walls stand about 6 meters tall and enclose a large ground plan punctuated by numerous towers and interior rooms.
The fortress was built during the Sasanian period to serve as a defensive outpost in the region, protecting settlements from threats coming from the north. Over time it lost its military role, but its structure survived largely intact and is now listed as an Iranian National Heritage site.
The castle was built using adobe, brick, and plaster, materials typical of Sasanian construction in this region. Visitors can see how the towers and interior rooms follow a clear defensive logic that shapes the entire layout.
The site sits on a plateau and can be explored without steep climbs, with the southeast gate serving as the main and best-preserved entry point. Sturdy footwear is recommended since much of the ground inside is uneven and made of compacted earth.
Excavations at the southeast entrance uncovered ancient staircases leading into corridors built directly inside the defensive walls. This means defenders could move through the entire perimeter of the fortification without ever stepping into open ground.
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