Kohandezh Citadel of Tus

In the historic area of Tus in Razavi Khorasan Province, now part of the greater Mashhad urban area, the Kohandezh Citadel is listed among Iran's National Monuments under registration number 1758. The monument lies southwest of the Tomb of Ferdowsi and dates back to three periods, the Samanid, Seljuk and Timurid eras. It is one of the region's lesser-known but highly valuable historic sites.

The large and striking part of the citadel includes a moat, guard turrets, defensive walls and military fortifications. These show that the complex was once used as a centre of government and military power and as a treasury for the region. Archaeological excavations at the site have shown that the citadel had a complex structure, and some even believe that the ancient city of Tus lies buried beneath it. The citadel stands in a strategic position on a hilltop overlooking the plains of Tus, and from this height it offers a full view of the surroundings and the routes into the area. The vegetation around the citadel consists of shrubs and wild plants, which blend with the region's semi-arid, temperate climate to create a pleasant natural landscape for visitors.

To visit this historic site, take the road from Mashhad towards the Mashhad–Chenaran road and then continue towards Tus. After following the signs and reaching the nearby car park, you can enter the citadel grounds with a short walk. The best time to visit is spring and autumn, when the weather is milder and the light is good for photography. Visitors are expected to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism: do not touch the fragile parts of the structure and do not leave litter on the site, so that this historic heritage is preserved for future generations.