Mehrnegar Castle of Damghan

🕰️When was it built?

The construction date is unknown. An Ismaili connection is a possibility, while excavations in the area have produced Abbasid, Seljuk and Ilkhanid material.

🏛️What was it built for?

The hilltop castle is the central feature of the Mehrnegar site and is best understood in relation to the surrounding ground. The site extends for about 5 km. Studying its ramparts and structures helps explain the settlement.

👀What you will see

• Surviving ramparts surround the elevated hilltop section. Approach them only by a safe route.
• Structural remains on the mountain mark the central part of the Mehrnegar site.
• Views across the surrounding ground reveal a site extending beyond the fortress itself.

💡Something interesting

In the winter of 2009–2010, rescue excavations preceded work on a fibre-optic route within the site's protection zone. Ten test trenches were opened to identify and protect possible remains, bringing a modern infrastructure project into contact with layers of the past.

🎒Good to know before you go

• The castle is about 25 km from Damghan on the Cheshmeh Ali route. The approach is mountainous; it is best to go with a local guide.
• Do not enter test trenches, collect pottery or stones, or climb walls or unstable slopes to reach the ramparts.