Bandaban Castle

Bandaban Castle is one of the most valuable historical and ancient monuments in Gilan Province. It is located in the village of Bandaban, part of Ghasemabad in Chaboksar District, Rudsar County. Built on a rocky height overlooking the village and the surrounding area, the castle is considered one of the region's most important defensive structures, and it dates back many centuries, probably to the Sasanian era. The castle's strategic position, its wide views over the village, the forests and the coastal areas, and its tall stone tower meant that in the past it played an important role in watching over and defending the region. Bandaban Castle is registered on Iran's National Heritage List under registration number 9924, and today it is regarded as a lesser-known but valuable historical attraction of Gilan.

The most important surviving part of this historical complex is its stone watchtower, about 12 meters high and 4.5 meters in diameter. It has kept its sturdiness, and eight intact corbel stones (sang-andaz) can be seen in it. Other surviving parts of the castle include a stone wall bonded with gypsum mortar, the remains of the eastern entrance, and thick defensive walls. The architecture of the building is one of its notable aspects: special materials such as sarooj (a traditional waterproof mortar) and egg yolk were used in its construction to increase its strength. Underground passages and corridors beneath the castle also point to the advanced defensive planning of its builders, although much of these spaces remains unexplored. The discovery of numerous historical objects and treasures around the castle likewise shows the historical importance and special standing of this complex in the past.

To reach Bandaban Castle, take the Kelachay–Chaboksar road from Rudsar and follow the route to Bandaban village in Ghasemabad. After reaching the village, a walk of about one kilometer through citrus orchards and the lush nature of the area brings you to the foot of the heights on which the castle stands. Because the structure sits on steep slopes and surrounding drop-offs, visiting its higher sections requires caution and suitable equipment. The best time to visit Bandaban Castle is spring and the first half of autumn, when the area's nature is at its most beautiful and the weather is also better suited to sightseeing. While visiting, tourists should avoid damaging the historical remains, moving stones, writing graffiti on the walls, or entering fragile parts of the structure, so that this valuable monument is preserved for future generations.