Atashgah Castle

Atashgah Castle, one of the most important ancient fortresses of the Sasanian era, is located in Razavi Khorasan Province, northwest of Kashmar County. This historic monument stands on top of a high, hard-to-reach rock in the heart of the mountains, and thanks to its distinctive natural setting it has always been regarded as one of the most impregnable defensive fortresses of ancient Iran. The deep valleys, dangerous cliffs and rugged mountain terrain around it turned the castle into a completely defensive complex that was impossible to penetrate.

The fortress was built in the Sasanian period and, besides its military function, also had religious significance, since near it you can see the remains of a fire temple and caves linked to ritual structures. One of the most notable features of the complex is its underground structures, known as lane-muri ("ant nests"), designed as intricate, multi-level passageways that once served as a refuge and an advanced defensive system. Today, only parts of the collapsed walls, the cave entrance and the remains of stone structures survive from this huge complex, which still stand as a sign of the grandeur of ancient Iranian defensive architecture.

Atashgah Castle can be reached via the villages of Sarhowzak and Mohammadiyeh, and the final part of the route is a walk of about one hour through a beautiful mountain valley. The best time to visit the area is spring and early autumn, when the weather is milder and the valley's scenery is at its most beautiful. To preserve this valuable heritage, it is essential to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism, such as keeping the environment clean, avoiding damage to the historic remains, and staying out of the unstable and dangerous parts of the castle.