Selasal Castle
Selasal Castle, dating back to the Achaemenid period, was an important military and governmental site with a role in water management. Though erosion has diminished its grandeur, the castle’s remains still awe visitors with its intricate decorations and fortifications.
History
Salas Castle has a rich history dating back to the Achaemenid period and was inhabited until 50 years ago. It served as a defensive structure, control center of the Darion River, and residence of the governor of Khuzestan. The castle was also the home of the local rulers until Nader Shah’s reign. Afterward, it was abandoned, and the ruler of the province did not settle there. During the time of Naser al-Din Shah, the castle was restored and inhabited again until the head of the Finance Department demolished all of its buildings in 1341 AH to construct the Finance Department building using the castle’s materials.
Architecture of Salas Castle
Selasal Castle features two large gates, with the southeastern gate (Gas Pump Alley) used by military leaders and a wooden door located there during the Qajar period. The south gate, located next to the Shah Safi Mosque, was for ordinary people. The castle had circular towers and facilities such as a bakery, stables, baths, barracks, armory, kitchen, and various yards. A 200-meter-long waterway, known as Darion Creek, was dug near the castle over 2500 years ago to flow the Karun River from under Shushtar city. This tunnel remains and is illuminated for tourists to visit.
Visiting hours of the castle
Selasal Castle offers free admission every hour of the day.
