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Herat Citadel: A Timeless Fortress

Explore the ancient Herat Citadel, a majestic fortress with roots in Alexander the Great's era, offering a glimpse into Afghanistan's rich history.

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The Herat Citadel, also known as the Citadel of Alexander or Qala Ikhtyaruddin, is a historic fortress in the heart of Herat, Afghanistan, dating back to 330 BC [14]. It has been renovated by different rulers and served as a strategic military site and royal residence [14].

A brief summary to Herat Citadel

  • 85WQ+753 قلعه اختیارالدین (ارگ تاریخی هرات)، جاده انصاری, Herat, Pay-e-Hesar, AF
  • +93728084000

Local tips

  • Check the current security situation and travel advisories before planning your visit, as conditions can change [14].
  • Bargain with the guards for the entrance fee, as it may be possible to get a lower price or even free entry [4].
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing around the citadel [4].
  • Visit during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) for pleasant weather [14].
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Herat Citadel is located in the center of Herat city, making it easily accessible on foot from many central locations [5]. From the Chahar Su bazaar, walk north [16]. The entrance to Herat Citadel will be directly ahead [16]. Walking is free.

  • Public Transport

    While Herat has public transportation options like buses, their routes and schedules can be difficult to navigate for tourists [11, 18]. Taxis are a more readily available and convenient option [16, 18]. From most locations in central Herat, a taxi to the Citadel is a short ride.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Herat [16]. A short taxi ride from most central locations to the Herat Citadel should cost approximately 150-300 AFN, considering the base fee is 150 AFN and the price per KM is 100 AFN [6]. It's advisable to negotiate the fare before starting your journey [16]. Be aware that some taxi drivers may attempt to overcharge tourists [19]. Also, taxis are required to be repainted, and drivers are struggling to pay the fees [20].

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Discover more about Herat Citadel

The Herat Citadel, locally known as Arg-e Herat, stands as a proud testament to Afghanistan's rich and turbulent history [7]. Believed to have been founded by Alexander the Great in 330 BC, the citadel has been a silent witness to the rise and fall of empires, serving as a seat of power, a military garrison, and even a prison [7, 10]. Over the past two millennia, it has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, each era leaving its mark on the imposing structure [7]. The present structure largely dates back to 1415, constructed during the reign of Shah Rukh after Timur's destruction [10, 9]. The architecture reflects the Timurid style, featuring tall walls, strong towers, gates, and large courtyards, primarily built with baked bricks and stone [5]. The citadel's design provided a strong defense against enemy attacks [5]. Once adorned with monumental Kufic script proclaiming its grandeur, only a small section on the northwest wall, the 'Timurid Tower,' remains [10]. In 2005, the Afghan army ceded the citadel to the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, opening its doors to the public for the first time [10]. A major restoration project, completed between 2006 and 2011, involved hundreds of Afghan craftsmen and funding from international organizations [7]. Today, visitors can explore the two main walled enclosures, marvel at the towering ramparts and 18 imposing towers, and visit the museum within [16]. The museum houses a collection of artifacts from various periods of Herat's history, offering insights into the lives and practices of those who once inhabited this ancient city [14, 16]. Archaeological excavations are ongoing in the main courtyard, promising further discoveries [10, 16].

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