Qaleh Tarikhi

Southeastern Iran


Birjan's adobe-plastered fortress has been comprehensively restored and looks particularly impressive at night when glowing with the lights of the teahouse-restaurant that occupies its ground floor. Climb the ramparts for views across the last vestiges of mud-brick old town, towards the mountain-backed modern city behind.

Even if the castle's large wooden gates are locked, views are still impressive if you wander around the outer side of the walls.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Southeastern Iran attractions

1. Amirarab Zorkhaneh

0.28 MILES

The strange, circular-fronted building topped with calligraphy on what looks like a lighthouse tower is in fact a venue for zorkhaneh, a traditional…

2. Kola Feranghi

0.54 MILES

Although it's one of the images most used in Birjand's self-promotion, this unique, six-level stepped tower is not generally accessible to visitors as it…

3. Akhbarieh Gardens

2.47 MILES

This Qajar-era garden has an avenue of tall pines leading down from a minor, two-storey pink-brick palace. It's worth a quick peep but is surely one of…