Khorramabad | An amazing land of history and nature
Khorramabad is the 23rd most populous city in Iran and the capital of Lorestan province. The city is located in the valleys of the Zagros; and it is important due to it’s location on the Tehran-Khuzestan route.
Remains of historical monuments show that Khorramabad is one of the most important cities in Western Iran during the Sassanid period; and the Shapurkhast fortress is a symbol of the city from the remnants of the Sassanid period.
There are several historical and natural tourist attractions in the city of Khorramabad, including the constellation, brick minaret, Shapuri bridge, stone whirlpool, inscription stone, Babataher tomb and Lake Kyu; so that this city is the first in Iran that The United Nations has selected as a model tourism city.
Tourism attractions of Khorramabad
United Nations Office has selected Khorramabad as a model tourism city by the for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. This choice is in order to implement a sustainable urban development plan based on tourism. The axis of implementation of this project is Shapur Khast Castle and organizing the space around this castle as well as the project of restoration and protection of other antiquities in the city of Khorramabad is also part of this project.
Falak-ol Aflak | Unmatched in the skies
Falak ol-Aflak or Shapurkhast fort is a historical castle in the center of Khorramabad city in Lorestan province. The constellation also has another name according to the number of towers in it and that is “The Twelve Towers“. The building is on a hill is overlooking the city of Khorramabad. The construction of this castle dates back to the Sassanid period. And it is on the list of national monuments of Iran since October 1, 1980.
Construction according to the rocky cliffs and also the flowing spring of Golestan from the Northern slope of the hill are the main features of the building. On the other hand, the proximity of the prehistoric caves of the hot valley of Khorramabad and other monuments of the historical period such as stone inscription, brick minaret, Gabri mill, Shapuri bridge and stone vortex indicates the historical connection of the castle with the mentioned monuments.
The castle of Falak-ol Aflak overlooks the city of Khorramabad. The space inside it is divided into four relatively large halls around two courtyards and a number of halls and rooms. During the reign of Fath Ali Shah Qajar they restored the place. And during this restoratio they added a high tower to the construction.
Shapouri bridge | A masterpiece in Khorramabad
The Broken Bridge or Shapouri Bridge is one of the architectural masterpieces of the Sassanid period; and it is on the South side of Falak-ol Aflak Castle in the South of Khorramabad. Shapoui Bridge has been the connection between the West of Lorestan province with the West of it. And also it was a connection from Lorestamn to Khuzestan and then Ctesiphon (the capital of the Sassanids). This bridge is now nothing more than a ruin.
In it’s time they considered the bridge as one of the architectural masterpieces. Shapouri bridge had 28 arches or spans, but today only 6 arches are left. The bridge has a West-East direction and has a height of 16 meters; and also they installed rhombus-shaped breakwaters in the gorge to reduce flood damage.
The velvet mountain | A heaven with the face of lichen!
Velvet Mountain is one of the natural resorts around the city of Khorramabad, which hosts many locals and travelers every weekend. This mountain with an altitude of more than 1900 meters is located in the Northeast of Khorramabad. The mountain is also known as Tang Shabikhoon.
This mountain has a sedimentary texture and lichen cover the most of it’s surface. With the onset of the rainy season, black lichens and sunburns turn green. Lichens are not a friend of sun; and this is why parts of velvet mountain that are less sun-drenched are greener and more spectacular.
There is a beautiful waterfall of the same name in the area, which has added to the charm of the environment. Velvet mountain is also very suitable and easy to reach for mountaineering. In any case, if you are looking for a suitable amusement park for a picnic in Khorramabad, Velvet Mountain will be your best choice.
Gahar lake | The turquoise jewel of Zagros
35 km from Dorud city of Lorestan, among the high mountains of Oshtrankooh, there an alluring lake. Gahar Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Iran. And it consists of two parts, “the big Gahar” and “the small Gahar“. The biggest part of the lake is about 850 hectares and it’s depth reaches 28 meters in some places.
The water of the lake is so clear that sometimes in the shallow parts of 4 meters, you can clearly see the wavy movement of fishes. To reach the lake, you have to take a mountainous route that is difficult to cross in some places. But if nature is one of your interests, try it for once! Gahar region has a diverse vegetation. And you’ll love the smell of lilies, anemones and wild tulips by walking around them.
Shirz canyon | One of the most amusing tourism attractions of Khorramabad
The Shirz valley or Shirz canyon, is one of the most famous tourist attractions of Khorramabad. This green area is located 55 km from the city of Kuhdasht and at the confluence of the three provinces of Kermanshah, Ilam and Lorestan along the Seymareh River.
The Strait of Shaizer is 5 km long and there is a river flowing in the middle of it. The river joins the Seymareh River at the entrance of Shirz. Walls with a height of 150 to 200 meters surround the valley.
Valley’s climate in Autumn and Winter is cold and mild in Summer. The special shape, clear water and vegetation, gives a very beautiful and pleasant nature to the place. The erosion of rocks and mountains has given a special face to this valley. Shirz Canyon has been registered as a geopark in UNESCO Heritage Sites list.
In this strait, there are ancient sites that include relics of cave life. There is also a pillar in the middle of the Shirz Valley; which nature, wind and earthquakes created it through millions of years. The height of this pillar is 80 meters and it’s diameter is 10 meters.
Existence of rich areas of Stone Age (Stone Age) and the superior period in this valley has caused the Cultural Heritage Organization in the comprehensive tourism plan of Lorestan province to pay special attention to this area in the city of Kuhdasht.
Which of the tourism attractions of Khorramabad did you like the most? Let us know by commenting your favorite place for us.
