Kharanaq Castle

🕰️When was it built?

The castle's towers and ramparts are attributed to the Sasanian period, but the village inside also took shape in later, Islamic times. The complex was added to the National Heritage List on 14 March 2005 as number 11509.

🏛️What was it built for?

The castle was not just a guard post; people lived inside it. Houses were built according to each family's means and standing. The walls, towers and twisting lanes all served to defend this living space.

👀What you will see

• The mud-brick village covers a little over one hectare, with a defensive wall around it.
• About eighty two- and three-storey houses were built inside, connected by narrow passages.
• Some roofs are domed or barrel-vaulted, and others are made of timber, straw and fibre.
• Six watchtowers are attached to the walls, and four gates were the ways in and out.
• The Wolf Lane is one of the castle's winding passages, with no straight or easy way through.

💡Something interesting

It is said that villagers would lure raiders into the Wolf Lane and attack them there. The story explains why narrow, twisting lanes, along with the towers and walls, were part of the village's defence.

🎒Good to know before you go

• The castle has narrow lanes and multi-storey houses, so wear comfortable walking shoes to explore it.