Sar Yazd Fortress

Sar Yazd Castle (Persian: قلعه سريزد‎) alternatively spelled Saryazd is a Sassanid fortification in the village of Sar Yazd, Yazd Province, Iran. It is located 50 kilometers from the city of Yazd.

Sar Yazd Castle
قلعه سریزد
General information
TypeCastle
Architectural styleIranian architecture
Town or citySar Yazd
Country Iran

Background

Yazd was a major city and Zoroastrian religious center in Sassanid times and the castle was used as a safebox in the case of invasion, in which the residents could store valuables such as gold and jewels as well as other items such as food or grain.[1] In the ancient world, invasion or raiding parties would look for valuable loot, while also pillaging for food for sustenance - therefore it was of importance to keep such commodities out of enemy reach.[2]

Construction

The fortress was constructed during the Sassanid era, sometime between the 3rd and 7th centuries AD and is made of adobe. Its defences are two concentric walls, the outer wall being six meters in height and the inner being nine meters tall. In addition to the walls a moat was also constructed. The structure contains 480 rooms.[3]

Modern Condition

The structure is in varying states of ruin. In modern times the castle has become a tourist attraction and is located near two caravansaries.[4]

Saryazd Castle was registered in national index by the Iranian Cultural Heritage Organization with number 1084 in 1975.[1]

  • The interior of the fortress
  • The front gate
  • The moat
  • The tower

References
  1. "Sar Yazd Castle". Persian Tourism. 2016-10-03. Retrieved 2019-08-18.
  2. "Sar Yazd Castle". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 2019-08-18.
  3. "Saryazd Castle: One of the Greatest, Most Beautiful Castles in Iran - Society/Culture news". Tasnim News Agency. Retrieved 2019-08-18.
  4. Baker, Patricia L.; Smith, Hilary; Oleynik, Maria (2014). Iran. Bradt Travel Guides. p. 238. ISBN 9781841624020.
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