Shush Castle

Shush Castle, also known as the Acropole Castle, is one of the most prominent historic monuments in Khuzestan Province. It stands on top of the ancient mounds of the city of Shush (Susa). The castle was built by a French archaeological mission led by Marcel Dieulafoy in the late 19th century, using bricks taken from the ancient site of Susa and the remains of the Palace of Darius! The main purpose of the castle was to provide a base for archaeological excavations.

The architecture of Shush Castle follows the European medieval style and closely resembles French fortresses, with watchtowers, tall brick walls and a central courtyard. This non-Iranian style creates an interesting contrast in the heart of an ancient city like Shush, and catches the eye of every visitor. The castle's plan is trapezoidal, with its shorter base on the north side. A corridor runs around it, lined with a row of rooms opening onto the courtyard. In the northwest corner of the castle there is a square tower, and in the northeast a round one. Although the castle is a modern structure, the materials it took from ancient civilizations have made it part of Shush's cultural heritage.

Shush Castle sits on the highest part of the ancient mounds and overlooks important sites such as the Apadana Palace and the Chogha Zanbil Ziggurat. Today the castle is not only a relic of the era of colonial archaeology, but also one of Shush's major tourist attractions, hosting visitors from across Iran and around the world. From the top of the castle you can enjoy a stunning view of the surrounding historic sites and the vast plains of Khuzestan. The best time to visit Shush Castle is from autumn to early spring, that is, from Aban to Farvardin (roughly late October to April). In these months the weather in Shush is mild and pleasant, and visitors can explore the castle and the nearby ancient sites in comfort, without the scorching heat of summer. The area is at its most beautiful in Esfand and Farvardin (March to April), when the surrounding plains are green and the weather is very pleasant.