Rostam Castle of Khusf

Rostam Castle is one of the historic monuments and tourist attractions of Khusf County in South Khorasan Province, standing on the heights of Mount Rach. With sweeping views over the Khusf plain and the Mazhan plain, this historic fortress enjoyed an exceptional geographic and military position. The castle was first built in the Sassanid era, and it was rebuilt and used in the Islamic period, particularly when the Ismailis were present in the Quhistan region. In some historical sources Rostam Castle is also known as Dokhtar Castle (the Maiden's Castle). Because of its historical and architectural value, it was added to Iran's National Heritage list on 23 Shahrivar 1382 (14 September 2003) under registration number 10185.

The structure of Rostam Castle includes watchtowers, underground halls, a water reservoir, a well, stone staircases and the remains of defensive walls. The surviving parts of the complex were built mainly from stones found on the mountain and sarooj mortar (a traditional waterproof lime-based mortar). The castle's halls stand side by side in parallel and are roofed with pointed arches. In the central part of the complex there is a well about seven metres deep, which was once used to supply the water the inhabitants needed. There is also a water reservoir about eight metres deep, with a capacity of more than 600 cubic metres, built in the valley section of the castle; its stone walls were reinforced with sarooj mortar. Watchtowers stood at various points on the heights, and the castle's strategic position made it possible to keep watch over a wide area, from the Khusf plain to the Mazhan plain. Remains of plain and glazed pottery in various colours can also be seen around the site, showing that the complex was used in several different historical periods.

To visit Rostam Castle, drive from the town of Khusf towards the village of Rach. The castle is about 15 to 16 kilometres from the county centre, and part of the access road is unpaved and fairly rough, so a suitable vehicle is recommended. Once you reach the village area, you need to climb about 300 metres up the mountain to reach the castle. Spring and autumn, with their milder weather, are the best times to visit and walk in this area. It is important to bring suitable footwear, drinking water and clothing appropriate for the weather. Because the monument is historic, visitors should not tamper with the walls and surviving structures, move pottery fragments or damage the historical remains, and should avoid leaving litter along the route or around the castle.