Naderi Castle

Naderi Castle on Qeshm Island, also known as Laft Castle, is one of the island's most important and unique historic monuments. It stands south of the village of Laft, on top of a hill overlooking the Persian Gulf, and has special historical significance as the only castle built by Iranians on the islands of the Persian Gulf. Naderi Castle was built during the reign of Nader Shah Afshar, on the orders of Latif Khan, the admiral (Amir al-Bahr), to protect the Khuran Strait and control the sea routes of the Persian Gulf.

The architectural style of Naderi Castle in Laft shares similarities with the Portuguese Castle of Qeshm, and it was built of stone and sarooj mortar. Its square plan, with sides 32 metres long and round towers at all four corners, makes it a strong defensive fortress. The materials used in its construction were rubble stone and sarooj mortar, and its gate faced the sea. It is said that the castle was built on the remains of an older structure dating from before the Safavid period, a sign of the site's long history in the region.

To visit this historic monument, simply head from the city of Qeshm towards the village of Laft. The castle lies close to the historic Tala wells and can be reached with a short walk. The superb view of the Persian Gulf from the top of the castle makes for an unforgettable experience for visitors. The best time to visit Naderi Castle is from autumn to early spring, that is, from Aban to Farvardin (roughly November to April). During this period the island's weather is mild and pleasant, creating ideal conditions for sightseeing and visiting the area's historical and natural attractions. Because of the intense heat and high humidity, Qeshm's summers are not recommended for travelling or visiting the castle.