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Rudkhan Castle

Located 25 km southwest of Fooman city at 650 meters above the sea level in the northern province of Gilan.

Rudkhan military complex is one of the best preserved castles in Iran; it was originally built during the Sassanian dynasty (224-651A.D.) and was later renovated and expanded by Ismaili sect led by Hassan Sabbah; a patriot who opposed the Saljughi (Seljuk) government that ruled Iran between 11^th to 13^th century.

Ismaili movement lasted for about 170 years before they were abolished by the 3^rd Mongolian invasion led by Holaku Khan. Rudkhan was later controlled by local rulers of Gilan.

The visitors have to hike the 2.5 km sharp uphill path through mountainous winding route with dense forests. Gilan is the greenest and the rainiest province of Iran. The locals have a saying: It rains for 6 months of the year and it pours for the other 6.

It was pouring when I visited Rudkhan.

I couldn’t take a picture of the whole castle because of the foggy condition, so I borrowed this picture from Wikipedia.

These holes and many others like it are made in the outside walls of the castle to pour boiling water or hot oil over the enemy.

Snail

This little guy is the current resident of the castle

Pottery

I found these pottery pieces around the castle.