Falak ol Aflak Castle

One of the famous monument belongs to Sassanid period and it has been registered in the list of Iran's National Heritage. The initial building of the Falak ol Aflak Castle is attributed to the reign of Sassanid Shapur I in century 3 AD. The beauty and wonderful architecture of this castle has convinced many experts to consider this ancient historical castle of Lorestan Province as one of the engineering and architectural masterpieces. The name of this castle might have been given to it in Qajar dynasy. There are two museums of anthropology and archeology in this castle Complex that are considered as the attractions of Khorramabad.

Description

Since the construction of Sassanid period ports up to recent periods (especially in Safavid and Qajar periods), some things have been added to the castle and this fortress is the same well-known Shapur Khwast Fortress which is mentioned in the history. Due to its strategic position, this castle was selected as the seat of government of Hasanawayhids and as the treasurer in Buyid dynasty in the 4th century AH.

The building of the castle was transformed into the museum under the rule of Pahlavi I. Falak ol Aflak Castle is the host of two archaeology and ethnography museums which have occupied the fifth place among the most popular museums in Iran. This museum show the cultural documents and evidence of Loristan Province. Today, there are more than 12000 historic objects kept here related to different periods. You can also learn about different parts of Lorestan people’s life in ethnography museum; you can participate in their wedding ceremonies and see their hospitality, dancing and singing and visit the blue mill, the baking bread and agriculture tools of this noble tribe.

About Falak ol Aflak Castle

The foundations of the castle measure approximately 300 meters by 400 meters. The height of the entire structure, including the hill, reaches to 40 meters above the surrounding area. The castle itself covers an area of 5,300 square meters. It is 2,860 meters in perimeter and its tallest wall is 22.5 meters high. This space is divided into four large halls, and their associated rooms and corridors. Originally the castle used to have 12 towers, but only 8 remain standing today. The building's entrance is situated towards the north, within the body of the northwestern tower. The water well of the fortress lies in the area behind the first courtyard. Reaching a depth of 40 meters, the majority of the well's shaft is carved into the rock in order to reach the source of the Golestan spring. The well remains usable to this days.