Falak-ol-Aflak Castle

Falak-ol-Aflak Castle
📍 Khorramabad, Lorestan province
⛏ 224-651 AD, the Sassanians

Dating back 1,800 years, the Falak-ol-Aflak Castle is a remarkable testament to ancient Iranian architecture.

Covering a total area of 3500 sq. metres and featuring twelve towers, this immense fortress is situated on a large hill in Khorramabad, the capital of Lorestan province. Constructed during the Sassanian period (224–651 AD), it served for centuries as a major seat of power for the rulers of Lorestan.

Standing 40 metres higher than the surrounding area, the hill on which the castle sits creates a natural dehumidifying effect that keeps the stone and wood foundations dry, protecting them from the region’s humid climate.

The Khorramabad River flows along the eastern and southwestern sides, providing natural defence from invaders, while the structure itself overlooks the city’s residential districts.

In 1968, the site was converted into an anthropological museum depicting the rich culture and art of the people of Lorestan. In 2025, it was granted UNESCO protection as part of the Prehistoric Sites of the Khorramabad Valley.

Having sustained significant structural damage during the bombing of Lorestan, the site now demands urgent preservation and restoration to ensure this shared heritage endures for future generations. In preserving our past, we provide wisdom for the future.

The Iran Heritage Foundation promotes and protects the cultural heritage of Iran, ancient, medieval and modern.