Best Attractions in Lorestan You MUST Visit
From Majestic Ruins to Scenic Natural Wonders
Lorestan is one of the western provinces of Iran, rich in history and natural beauty. When visiting the region, there are many Lorestan attractions to explore. It has been inhabited since the fourth millennium BCE, making it a significant region for archeologists. The region’s people, due to the absence of written records, have remained largely unknown.
However, archeologists believe Lorestan is one of the first places humans settled for agriculture, animal domestication, and permanent living. The capital city, Khorramabad, is a hub of historical and natural attractions that are must-visit for any traveler in Iran. Join SURFIRAN to learn more about Lorestan’s attractions.
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Historical Attractions in Lorestan
Falak-ol-Aflak Castle
Falak-ol-Aflak Castle is one of Lorestan’s most famous historical attractions. Also known as Shapourkhast, Atabakan Castle, and the Twelve Towers Castle, it is located on a hill overlooking Khorramabad. Registered in Iran’s national heritage list in 1969, the castle dates back to the Sassanian era and was used as a military base and residence for governors until the Qajar era. The castle features an asymmetric octagonal plan with two courtyards, 12 towers, and intricate brickwork, tilework, and plasterwork.
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The Lorestan Museum of Anthropology is also housed within the castle, displaying various artifacts from the region’s cultural and historical past.
- Address: Falak-ol-Aflak Castle, Imam (RA) Street, Dozeh-Borji, Khorramabad, Lorestan, Iran
- See the Location on Google Maps
Khorramabad Brick Minaret
The Khorramabad Brick Minaret is another significant historical attraction in Lorestan. Situated in the southern part of Khorramabad, this minaret dates back nearly 900 years to the Buyid era. It stands about 30 meters tall, with a base diameter of 5.4 meters. The minaret, registered in the national heritage list of Iran, has 99 steps leading to the top.
Archaeological remains around the minaret indicate that it was part of a larger complex, including a caravanserai and a mosque. It served as a guide for caravans heading to the city of Shapourkhast.
- Address: Khorramabad Brick Minaret, Shaghayegh Park, Ghazi-Abad Neighborhood, Khorramabad, Lorestan, Iran
- See the Location on Google Maps
Kalmakareh Cave
Kalmakareh Cave is another historical site of great significance in Lorestan. Discovered accidentally, it contains one of the six greatest treasures in the world. Historical evidence suggests that ancient Iranian dynasties during the Achaemenid and Sassanian periods used this cave as a treasury. Some historians believe the cave dates back to the Elamite period. Golden masks resembling modern masquerade masks from around 500 BCE have been found in the cave.
Unfortunately, only 10% of the 5,000 discovered artifacts remain in Iran, with the rest spread across international museums like the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum, and the Miho Museum in Kyoto.
- Address: Kalmakareh Cave, Pol-Dokhtar County, 13.5 km northwest of Pol-Dokhtar, South of Maleh Mountain, 550 meters above Darreh-Bagh Village Plain, Lorestan, Iran
- See the Location on Google Maps
Soltani Mosque in Borujerd
Another historical attraction in Lorestan is the Soltani Mosque in Borujerd, also known as the Imam Mosque and the Shah Mosque. Located in Borujerd, the mosque covers 7,000 square meters and is built on the ancient Jameh Mosque, dating back to before Islam when it was a Zoroastrian fire temple. The mosque was destroyed during the Zand era and reconstructed during Fath-Ali Shah Qajar‘s reign, hence the name Soltani.
- Address: Soltani Mosque, Ghiyam Square, Safa Street, Borujerd, Lorestan, Iran
- See the Location on Google Maps
Sangar Castle in Khorramabad
Sangar Castle, also known as Sangar-e Bardina, is a circular structure built with stone and mortar around a spring. This ancient construction aimed to manage the water flow from the spring and distribute it through channels to various parts of the city. Located in northwest Khorramabad, the structure dates back to the Sassanian era and was registered in the national heritage list of Iran in 1976.
- Address: Sangar Castle, Takhti Square, Khorramabad, Lorestan, Iran
- See the Location on Google Maps
Mir Malas Cave
Mir Malas Cave, located near the city of Kuhdasht, features ancient paintings on its southern and northern walls dating back to prehistoric times. These paintings depict scenes of battle, hunting, and daily life, with images of deer, cows, dogs, foxes, and particularly horses and riders. The paintings measure between 10 and 30 centimeters and were made using red and black pigments. Unfortunately, the cave paintings have suffered significant damage due to natural and human factors, making them difficult to see clearly.
- Address: Mir Malas Cave, 18 km northeast of Kuhdasht, Lorestan, Iran
- See the Location on Google Maps
Natural Attractions in Lorestan
Gahar Lake
Gahar Lake, also known as the jewel of the Oshtorankuh mountains, is one of the most beautiful lakes in Iran, attracting thousands of visitors annually. The freshwater lake is home to diverse plant and animal species. The lake’s clear and pure air makes it an ideal camping spot. Gahar Lake consists of two parts: the large and small Gahar. While most of the lake’s shore is rocky, some areas with sandy beaches allow for swimming. The lake is located in the Oshtorankuh protected area, bordering Aligoudarz, Doroud, and Azna.
- Address: Gahar Lake, Oshtorankuh Protected Area, Between Doroud, Aligoudarz, and Azna, Lorestan, Iran
- See the Location on Google Maps
Bisheh Waterfall
Bisheh Waterfall is one of Lorestan‘s most beautiful attractions, registered in the Iranian Natural Heritage List in 2009. Located 60 kilometers from Khorramabad, this waterfall is 48 meters high. The best time to visit Bisheh Waterfall is in spring and summer.
- Address: Bisheh Waterfall, Papi District, Bisheh Village, Khorramabad, Lorestan, Iran
- See the Location on Google Maps
Khazineh Valley
Khazineh Valley is often compared to the Grand Canyon in the USA. Located in the middle of the Pol-Dokhtar to Andimeshk road, it offers an ideal spot for hiking and rock climbing. Access to the valley requires several hours of walking, and due to the sunlight, suitable footwear and hats are recommended. The best times to visit are early spring and autumn.
- Address: Khazineh Valley, Pol-Dokhtar County, Khazineh Village, Lorestan, Iran
- See the Location on Google Maps
Kiyou Lake
Kiyou Lake is a natural lake in Khorramabad, covering seven hectares with a depth of three to seven meters. The lake’s blue color is due to specific plant species at its bottom. Visitors can enjoy motorboat rides, pedal boats, jet boats, and musical boats on the lake. A small amusement park with a ball pit, trampoline, and Euro bungee is also nearby. Migratory birds visit the lake annually, providing a delightful spectacle.
- Address: Kiyou Lake, Mother Square, Khorramabad, Lorestan, Iran
- See the Location on Google Maps
Inverted Tulip Field
The Inverted Tulip Field is a mesmerizing natural attraction in the Zagros mountains, covering an area of 2,900 hectares. The field is adorned with inverted tulips, particularly in May, creating a heavenly view. Among the tulips, the Susa Lily and Mary’s Tears are notable.
- Address: Inverted Tulip Field, Shool Abad Road, Khair Abad Village, Lorestan, Iran
- See the Location on Google Maps
Other Attractions
Lorestan Heights
Lorestan Heights, also known as Lorestan Highlands, is a research and tourism complex on top of the Medba Mountain in eastern Khorramabad, offering stunning views of the city. The complex includes recreational facilities, a zoo, a water park, restaurants, and cafes. The complex also features a waterfall, 327 meters long, amidst lush greenery.
- Address: Lorestan Heights, Medba Mountain, East Khorramabad, Lorestan, Iran
- See the Location on Google Maps
Kasin Observatory
Kasin Observatory, located in Lorestan Heights, opened in 2014 and is considered the most modern observatory in the Middle East. It offers opportunities for stargazing for people of all ages. The observatory hosts educational courses and scientific tours.
- Address: Kasin Observatory, Fourteen Innocents Complex, Khorramabad, Lorestan, Iran
- See the Location on Google Maps
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Conclusion
In this article, SURFIRAN has introduced and reviewed the attractions of Lorestan. This province has various natural and historical sights, attracting numerous tourists each year. If you love traveling across Iran, make sure to visit this beautiful region.
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