Izadkhast Castle

The Izadkhast Fortress, or Izadkhast Castle, is one of the most important historical monuments in Fars Province. It stands north of the town of Izadkhast, about 60 kilometres north of Abadeh, on the historic route from Isfahan to Shiraz. This remarkable structure dates back to the Sassanid era and the early centuries of the Islamic period. It was built on top of a huge sedimentary rock formation and overlooks sheer drops of 6 to 15 metres on three sides. This natural position made the fortress one of the most impregnable historical strongholds in Iran, with entry possible only through a single narrow route on the southern side. Izadkhast is regarded as the world's first multi-level settlement and one of the earliest examples of "apartment living" in human history, and it holds a unique place in architecture and urban planning.

In terms of architecture, the Izadkhast Fortress is considered one of the most advanced examples of urban planning in the ancient world. Small houses were built very tightly together along narrow, winding alleys. In this complex, the roof of a lower house served as the courtyard of the house above it, which makes it one of the earliest examples of multi-level living anywhere in the world. Including its multi-storey buildings, the fortress reaches a total height of about 22 metres, and its length is estimated at more than 330 metres. Inside the castle you can see valuable historical remains, including a Sassanid fire temple (chahartaqi). After the arrival of Islam it was converted into a mosque, and it is still listed among Iran's national monuments. The fortress's structural similarity to the Arg-e Bam is another of its notable features, and it shows the high level of Iranian engineering and architecture in ancient times.

You can reach the Izadkhast Fortress via the city of Abadeh and then along the Isfahan–Shiraz road, as the monument lies beside one of the country's main transport routes. Its convenient location makes a visit relatively easy for both domestic and international tourists. The best times to visit Izadkhast Castle are spring and autumn, when the weather in the area is milder and it is more comfortable to explore the open-air historic site. When visiting this national monument, it is very important to follow the principles of cultural heritage protection, avoid damaging the mud-brick structure and respect the rules of the historic site, so that this masterpiece of ancient architecture is preserved for future generations.