Explore the Majestic Falak-Ol-Aflak Castle: A Hidden Gem in Western Iran
Falak-ol-Aflak Castle, also known as Twelve Tower Castle and Kakh-e Atabakan, is a remarkable historical site located in Khorramabad, Iran. This majestic fortress has been a symbol of the region since the Qajar dynasty and is often referred to as “the sky of all the skies.”
Perched atop a hill near the river and the Golestan spring, Falak-ol-Aflak Castle is a central feature of Khorramabad’s landscape. Alongside this ancient structure, visitors can discover a variety of significant historical monuments, including:
- Prehistoric caves
- Inscriptions
- Brick minaret
- Gabri water mill
- Shapuri Bridge (Broken Bridge)
- Gerdab-e Sangi (Gerdau Bardineh)
This castle is also officially recognized on the Iranian National Heritage List, highlighting its cultural importance.
Historically, the city of Shapur-Khwast was established during the Sassanid era near Khorramabad. After its destruction, the modern city was built on its ruins. Falak-ol-Aflak served as the capital for various dynasties, including the Hasanwayhids, Khorshidi dynasty, Ganjur, and the Buyid dynasty, from the 4th to the 13th centuries SH. Over the years, it became the treasury for the Badr dynasty and later functioned as a garrison and prison.
In the first half of the 14th century SH, the fortress became the headquarters of Division Five and other units of the Iranian Army. It was assigned to the Ministry of Culture and Art in 1349 SH. In the subsequent 1350s, the ancient fortress was transformed into the Anthropology Museum and Lorestan Bronze Museum. The Museum of Archaeology was later established within the fortress to display artifacts from the Achaemenids and the Kalmakarah cave, showcasing twelve thousand pieces that represent Iranian history. Additional sections, including a reconstruction lab, were also opened.
Falak-ol-Aflak Castle stands at an impressive height of 40 meters and extends over 120 meters in length. The main entrance, located at the northern side, is three meters high and over ten meters wide, constructed from clay, red brick, stone, and mortar. Nearly a century ago, a rampart featuring twelve towers encircled the main structure in the northwest, with its configuration resembling an irregular octagon.
The fortress includes:
- A rampart that reaches 23 meters in height
- Eight imposing towers
- Two central courtyards
- Three hundred parapets
- A total area of 5,300 square meters
The rampart is composed of brick stone, clay, gypsum mortar, and lime. The northern side features ports, while the southern side includes the body of a tower. Following the port is a hallway that leads to the first courtyard, which covers 155 meters and includes four towers.
The second courtyard, accessible through a hallway located at the corner of the first courtyard, passes beneath an arch. This rectangular area boasts four towers and spans 610 meters. In front of this hallway, another arch leads to a 40-meter well, which is supplied by the Golestan spring. Adjacent to the well, visitors can find a bath, further enriching the historical significance of the castle.
Overall, Falak-ol-Aflak Castle is more than just an architectural marvel; it is a testament to the rich cultural history of Iran and a must-visit destination for those interested in exploring the profound heritage of the region.
For more information on historical sites in Iran, check out Visit Iran.
