Sheikh Makan Fortress, Darreh Shahr

🕰️When was it built?

From its materials and style of building, the fortress is attributed to the Sasanian era. River cobbles and gypsum are its main materials, and parts of the wall were also plastered; the exact date it was built is not known.

🏛️What was it built for?

The fortress was well placed to watch over the pass through the gorge. Leaning against the mountain on one side and building a protective wall on the other limited the ways of getting near it. Crenellations, loopholes and a lookout were used to watch the route and defend this spot.

👀What you will see

• The fortress clings to the western face of the mountain, and its eastern wall of stone and gypsum rises above the roof; see how natural rock and built wall join.
• The highest part of the wall is about fourteen and a half metres high, with crenellations and loopholes built into its defensive face.
• The building has four rooms and a single entrance on the north side; notice where the entrance sits in relation to the gorge.
• Seventeen steps were cut into the mountain, leading from the roof side to the southern end of the east wall and a round lookout.

🎒Good to know before you go

• Wear shoes suited to rocky ground for walking in the gorge, and don't go near the edges of the walls to take photos.
• Old steps do not mean the way is safe; don't head for the roof or the lookout without a local guide and a sure route.