Falak-ol-Aflak, Sassanid fortress in Khorramabad, Iran.
Falak-ol-Aflak is a stone fortress on a hilltop north of Khorramabad with a rectangular base and twelve towers positioned at corners and sides. The fortification rises prominently above the surrounding landscape and contains multiple display areas with regional artifacts spanning different historical periods.
The fortress was established during the Sassanid Empire and served as a major military stronghold in its early centuries. It was later modified and reinforced by subsequent dynasties, each leaving their own defensive structures and architectural additions.
The fortress served as a seat of power for successive rulers and displays building styles from multiple Persian dynasties. Visitors can observe how different rulers left their marks on the walls and towers, adapting the structure to their needs.
The climb to the fortress follows a steep pathway, so visitors should come prepared with appropriate footwear and gear. The exhibition spaces are distributed throughout the structure, making it worthwhile to allow enough time to explore the different areas.
The fortress features a sophisticated underground water management system with a functioning spring that still exists today. This system allowed the garrison to withstand sieges and remain self-sufficient for extended periods.
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