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Herat Citadel: A Timeless Sentinel

Explore the ancient Herat Citadel, a majestic fortress with roots tracing back to Alexander the Great, offering panoramic views of Herat.

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The Herat Citadel, also known as Qala Ikhtyaruddin, is a historic fortress in the heart of Herat, Afghanistan, dating back to 330 BC. Built by Alexander the Great, it has been renovated by various rulers, serving as a strategic military site and royal residence, and is now a major tourist attraction [5, 7, 11].

A brief summary to Herat Citadel

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

Local tips

  • Check current security conditions and travel advisories before visiting Herat [11].
  • Bargain respectfully if an entrance fee is requested [6].
  • Wear comfortable shoes for climbing and walking around the ramparts [6].
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Herat Citadel is centrally located in Herat, making it accessible by foot from many points in the city [3]. From the center of the Old City, simply head north towards Pay-e-Hesar [2]. The Citadel will be visible from a distance, towering over the surroundings [2]. Walking is free.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis are readily available throughout Herat [12, 14]. A short taxi ride from most central locations to the Herat Citadel should cost approximately 50-100 AFN [12]. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey [12].

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Discover more about Herat Citadel

Towering over Herat's Old City, the Herat Citadel has been a silent witness to the city's triumphs and tribulations for centuries [2]. Believed to stand on the foundations of a fort built by Alexander the Great around 330 BC, it is considered Herat's oldest structure [2, 5, 7, 8]. Throughout its history, the citadel has functioned as a seat of power, a military garrison, and even a prison [2]. The present structure largely owes its form to Shah Rukh, who rebuilt it in 1415 after Timur's destruction [2, 4, 8]. The citadel's exterior once boasted a monumental Kufic script proclaiming its grandeur, though sadly, only a fragment remains on the northwest wall, known as the 'Timurid Tower' [2]. Repeated conquests led to pillaging, with locals repurposing roof beams and bricks [2]. In 1953, an order for complete demolition was thankfully halted by King Zahir Shah [2]. Today, visitors enter through a modern western entrance, leading to the upper enclosure [2, 8]. Ongoing archaeological excavations occur in the main courtyard [2, 8, 12]. A small hammam features damaged but beautifully painted walls depicting flowers and peacocks [2, 8]. The main attraction is the massive curtain wall, offering panoramic views of Herat, including Chahar Su bazaar and the Musalla Complex minarets [2, 12]. The citadel stands as a symbol of the enduring spirit of the Afghan people, blending Persian, Greek, and Islamic architectural styles [8].

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