The Rayen Citadel, also known as Rayen Castle, is the second largest earthen structure in the world after Bam Citadel. Its origins date back to the Sasanian period, making it one of the oldest historical buildings and fortresses in Iran. This site is also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Throughout the year, many domestic and foreign travelers visit the ancient and historical Rayen Citadel in Kerman. If you’re interested in learning more about Rayen Citadel, one of the largest earthen structures in the world, don’t miss the rest of this article from the Eligasht travel magazine.
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History of Rayen Citadel
When traveling to Kerman Province, you will reach one of the oldest and most significant fortresses in Iran, known as Rayen Citadel. Currently, Rayen Citadel is one of the largest earthen structures in the world and the largest earthen building in Iran after Bam Citadel. According to discovered historical documents and references in historical texts, the citadel dates back to the first century AH (after Hijra). However, despite the oldest known references to this site being from this century, archaeologists who have studied the Rayen Citadel suggest that it dates back to the Sasanian era.
Based on the historical artifacts and inscriptions found at the citadel, Iranian archaeologists have been able to prove that Rayen Citadel predates Islam and is considered one of the most important historical sites in Iran. The architecture of this structure is entirely consistent with the buildings and architectural styles of the Sasanian period, serving as further evidence of its pre-Islamic origins.
Structure and architecture of Rayen Citadel
As mentioned earlier, the architecture and structure of Rayen Castle belong to the Sasanian era, showcasing all the architectural elements and techniques of that time. This earthen structure is built atop a hill and features several towers at first glance. When you step inside Rayen Citadel, you can observe various other artifacts, elements, and internal buildings. The walls of the citadel are entirely made of mud bricks, with the shortest wall measuring 10 meters in height. The main entrance of the citadel showcases a large and magnificent gate, once considered one of the most beautiful entrances. This gate opens directly into the interior area for visitors.
This citadel is surrounded by a fence that stands over 10 meters tall and is 5 meters wide. A 154-meter-long moat has been dug around the south, southeast, and east sides, serving both as a defense mechanism and a drainage system for rain and floods. The outer wall features 12 sections or fragments of varying lengths. At the top of the citadel’s fence, there are platforms designed for archers, measuring 12 cm in height and 11 cm in width, with 22 cm spacing between each platform.
The Rayen Citadel boasts 16 towers located at the corners and along the middle of both the outer and inner fences. Of these, 15 towers are responsible for monitoring the citadel’s surroundings, while the main tower, known as the mother tower or number one tower, is used for gathering information. Each tower has two stories and features staircases on both sides—one leading to the top and the other connecting to Mardgerd and the next tower. All the towers are equipped with observation holes and defensive beams. They are constructed from clay and layers, with wooden foundations and edges for the staircases.
The architecture of Rayen Citadel is a complete example of Sasanian architecture. Based on the structure and architectural elements utilized in this fortress, archaeologists have concluded that Rayen Castle belongs to the Sasanian era. Some significant features characteristic of the Sasanian period include the use of mud bricks and clay tiles, large circular arches in the architecture, and the incorporation of various geometric patterns in the construction. It’s pretty cool to learn that there’s a secret escape route in the Rayen fortress designed for the residents to flee from attackers if the fortress falls. This escape plan is set up in the ruler’s residence and consists of three sections. One path takes you outside the citadel, another leads to a summer retreat above the ruling citadel, and the third goes to tower number eight, which also connects to the outside of the citadel. Within Rayen Citadel, different sections can be identified, each of which will be discussed further.
Important sections of Rayen Citadel
As mentioned earlier, inside Rayen Citadel, you can observe various sections and elements. All these components found within the citadel indicate that a diverse range of people, including farmers, merchants, governmental dignitaries, judges, and many others, lived there in the past. Below is a list of some of the structures and remaining sections within the citadel:
– Rayen Citadel Bazaar: A marketplace where various individuals sold their goods, attracting others for trade.
-Noble Residences: These homes primarily housed government officials and prominent individuals of their time.
– Storage Facilities: The citadel includes storerooms where people could preserve food supplies throughout the year.
– Fire Temples:These are significant parts of Rayen Citadel, referenced and examined in numerous historical texts.
All the structures built in Rayen Castle reflect the architecture of the Sasanian era very well. However, the fire temples, among the other buildings in this citadel, bear a closer resemblance to structures from this period, providing solid evidence that the citadel was constructed during the Sasanian dynasty. Most of the remaining houses in Rayen Citadel belong to the noble section, but there are also many buildings in the common areas.
Preservation and Visiting Rayen Citadel
Like all historical and archaeological sites in Iran, Rayen Castle is at risk of deterioration, and climatic changes can significantly impact it. Currently, the greatest threat to Rayen Citadel comes from floods in the area. Intense rainfall observed in Kerman in recent years has led to flooding, which has caused damage to the citadel.
Surrounding Rayen Citadel, you can see a moat that was excavated in ancient times for the protection of the fortress. Today, rainwater and floodwaters collect in this moat, posing a serious risk of subsidence and damage to the internal structures of the citadel. The Cultural Heritage Office of Kerman Province has dispatched many experts to protect this valuable historical site. Additionally, visitors should keep in mind that, alongside the efforts of these experts, they too must be diligent in preserving and maintaining this historical heritage.
Best time to visit Rayen Citadel
Kerman is considered one of the colder cities in Iran; therefore, the best seasons to visit Rayen Castle are spring and summer. During the initial six months of the year, the climate in this region is very pleasant, allowing people to easily enjoy the natural scenery and gardens surrounding the citadel. Visits are also possible in autumn and winter, but it’s important to note that the weather is cold during these months, which may affect the experience of visiting this beautiful historical fortress. Nevertheless, some people prefer to visit Rayen Citadel in autumn and winter due to the lower crowds during these seasons.
The working hours of Rayen Citadel are from 9 AM to 5 PM, and visiting all the main sections requires at least 2 hours. Therefore, it is recommended that visitors do not leave their trip to the citadel for late in the day.
How to Get to Rayen Citadel
Rayen Castle is located approximately 30 kilometers from the city of Kerman, and you can reach it by heading southeast from Kerman. After traveling 100 kilometers in the southeast direction, you will arrive at Rayen Castle. Visitors can travel to the citadel by personal vehicles, tourist tours, or local taxis. If you are on a tour to Kerman, the tour will be responsible for taking you to this tourist attraction. Otherwise, you can use navigation maps or local people to find the exact location of Rayen Citadel.
Accommodation Options Near Rayen Citadel
It is obvious that all those traveling to Kerman with the intention of visiting Rayen Castle do not reside in the city and are therefore looking for suitable accommodation for their trip. For this reason, we aim to introduce some of the best accommodations near Rayen Citadel in Kerman:
– Gavashir Hotel (Three-Star)
– Kalias Hotel (One-Star)
– Hazhar Hotel (Three-Star)
– Shahbaz Hotel (One-Star)
– Akhavan Hotel (Two-Star)
– Kerman Hotel (Two-Star)
– Pouya Hotel (Three-Star)
– Naz Hotel (Two-Star)
– Asam Apartment Hotel, Kerman
Kerman is one of the most tourist-friendly cities in Iran, boasting numerous attractions, which is why there are many facilities and services available for travelers. When visiting Kerman, you can find accommodations ranging from five-star hotels to various eco-lodges and local guesthouses, depending on your budget and preferences.
Final words
Here, we have become acquainted with one of the largest earthen structures in Iran, Rayen Citadel. This fortress, dating back to the Sasanian period, features various sections, including a marketplace, fire temple, noble residences, storerooms, and many other areas. Throughout the different sections of Rayen Citadel, the architectural remnants of the Sasanian era are prominently visible.
Today, Rayen Castle faces the threat of destruction due to frequent flooding, and visitors, along with officials, should be mindful of preserving this important earthen structure. If you want to learn more about other tourist attractions in Kerman and Iran, be sure not to miss the additional articles from Elygasht. For travel arrangements, hotel bookings, and other matters related to domestic and international travel, feel free to contact our experts.
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FAQ
Where is Rayen Citadel located?
Rayen Citadel is located in Kerman Province, near the city of Rayen. You can easily access the citadel via tourist tours, taxis, or private vehicles.
Which period does the Rhine Citadel belong to?
The architecture and artifacts found in Rayen Citadel indicate that this fortress belongs to the Sasanian era. All the architectural elements used in this citadel are entirely reflective of Sasanian architectural style.
What sections are there in Rayen Citadel?
Within Rayen Citadel, you can observe sections such as storerooms, noble houses, fire temples, and marketplaces. All these sections of the fortress are constructed in the style of Sasanian buildings.