Herat Citadel Travel Guide

The Citadel of Herat, or Arg-e Herat, is located in the center of Herat, Afghanistan, and is considered one of the most important historical structures in the country [3, 4]. The oldest building in Herat, the citadel is believed to stand on the foundations of a fort built by Alexander the Great in 330 BC [4, 6].Over the centuries, the Citadel has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, serving as headquarters for various empires [4]. The present structure largely dates back to 1415, constructed under Shah Rukh, son of Timur, after the destruction left by Genghis Khan [5, 6]. The Citadel's exterior once boasted monumental Kufic script proclaiming its grandeur, though only a fragment remains on the northwest 'Timurid Tower' [6].Throughout its history, the Citadel has been a vital center for governance and defense, playing a significant role in Afghanistan's political and military landscape [3]. 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 [6]. The complex extends over 250 meters in length and is 70 meters wide, divided into two main enclosures [5]. Inside the citadel, the National Museum of Herat houses approximately 1,100 items from the Herat region, many of which are on display [4]. The citadel was completely renovated between 2006 and 2011 [4].