Izadkhast Castle, Ancient fortress in Fars Province, Iran
Izadkhast Castle is a ruin complex in Fars Province built atop steep bedrock that overlooks a valley below. The site contains five-story structures connected by narrow passages, showing how inhabitants used the difficult slope to their defensive advantage.
The fortress was built during the Sassanid Empire between 224 and 651 AD and was later reshaped under Abbasid rule. Further modifications occurred during the Qajar period from 1794 to 1925.
The site bears marks of different faiths within its walls, as an ancient fire temple was later adapted for use as a mosque. This transformation shows how the building grew with the changing times and beliefs of the people who inhabited it.
The site is located roughly 135 kilometers south of Isfahan along a major road corridor. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear, as the steep slope and narrow passages require careful movement through the ruins.
The site ranks among the world's largest adobe structures and blends both Sassanid and Abbasid building elements in unusual ways. This combination of two very different architectural styles within one structure is uncommon and makes it architecturally distinctive.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
