Alamut Castle

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Author: Parisa Khairi

Create: 2019/10/16 23:29:42

Update: 2022/05/09 20:11:54

Suitable For

Duration Of Visit
1 To 2 Hours

Best Seasons To Visit

Gazarkhan village- Alamut- Qazvin- Qazvin province- Iran

Visitors Are Allowed

Also known as

Hassan Sabbah Castle
Hassan castle
Alamut Fort

Geographical location of Alamut Castle

Alamut Castle is located in the Alamut area of Qazvin province and north east of Gazarkhan village. Hassan Sabbah Castle is on a cliff 2167 meters high from the sea. The rock on which Hassan Sabbah Castle is situated is about 200 meters from its surrounding land and about 2000 square meters of fortress area. The location of the Alamut Castle is such that it encircles the fort on all fours and is the only way to enter the castle at its north east end.

History and culture of Alamut Castle

Alamut fort has been one of the most important historical forts in Iran that has played an important role in the history of its era. Alamut's name is tied to Ismailia in Iranian history and Hassan Sabbah as the leader of the Ismaili sect, has used the castle as a base for his government and promoting Ismaili beliefs and he stayed at Alamut Castle for five years and led his followers. Hassan Sabah fort was mentioned as a prison in the Safavid period but archaeological excavations in the castle show that Alamut Castle was not only a prison but the people living there had a certain social order.

Alamut castle was burnt down and destroyed on the orders of Holako Khan Mongol so the castle damaged and it was used as an exile and prison later. Nowadays most of the Alamut Fort is gone. Excavations in the Qajar period have led to the destruction of Alamut Castle.

Hassan Sabah's main goal was to bring back the glory of Iran that was before the Arab invasion.

Architecture of Alamut Castle

Alamut castle was the main and central base of Hassan Sabbah’s empire, the founder of the Nizari Ismaili government and their leaders.To reach the castle you need to climb up about 500 steps Hassan castle has water storages designed for the inhabitants' need for water, and with the help of the ditches in the rocks, they filled it with water coming from inside the castle so that there would be no infiltration from the front.They also block the entrance by building stone or brick walls wherever there is a groove. So actually we can say that there were no easy way to inter the Castle for enemies.

The importance of this castle is due to the Ismaili rule and the prominent personality of Hassan Sabbah. One of the wonders of Alamut Castle is the complex's water supply system with 10cm diameter water pipes that pump water from a spring into the castle and store in ponds that are made of stone.

Tips and ideas

Around Alamut Castle, there are red rocks that make the view of the castle spectacular. The nature in the valley, the canyons and the views from the castle are absolutely stunning. The distance to the castle is long because of the winding, narrow road, but seeing the spectacular empire make the complexity of the route unclear. To reach the castle you need to climb up about 500 steps so make sure you have good hiking shoes as it can be very slippery on rainy days or in winter.

The walk is easy though you can hire a donkey or a horse. Along the way there are places for rest and relaxation that can be used to relieve fatigue and regain energy. while you are there, it's not bad to take a tour at Ovan lake whitout a doubt.

We would be honored if you could share your experiences with YaldaMedTour’s followers in the comment section below.

Natioal Heritage Date: 1381

National Heritage Number: 7252

Address Of Alamut Castle: Gazarkhan village- Alamut- Qazvin- Qazvin province- Iran