Standing as resilient guardians of the past, the ancient walls and ice houses of Jalali Castle in Kashan are enduring relics of Seljuk-era ingenuity—offering visitors a remarkable journey back through time.
Constructed during the influential Seljuk period, Jalali Castle once served as a robust fortress, steadfastly protecting the people of Kashan. In the Safavid era, the castle underwent reinforcements, further strengthening its fortifications and defensive power. Over the centuries, however, invasions and natural erosion led to the gradual deterioration of this once-mighty structure. Today, only portions of its ramparts and two historic ice houses—known as Yakhchals—remain.
At its peak, Jalali Castle was surrounded by towering ramparts and a wide protective trench, remnants of which still faintly exist. Among the ruins stand two prominent domes—the castle’s ancient ice houses—ingenious structures built to produce and store ice in Iran’s harsh desert climate.
Each Yakhchal includes a large mud-brick dome above ground and a deep subterranean chamber below. These underground spaces were designed to preserve ice throughout the year using thick, heat-resistant walls and clever insulation techniques. Water collected in shaded pools would freeze overnight during winter and be stored underground to be used in the warmer months. Sometimes, these chambers also served as cold storage for food.
This innovative system exemplifies the brilliance of Persian engineering—harnessing natural elements to meet everyday needs long before modern refrigeration. The Yakhchals of Jalali Castle stand today as a tribute to human adaptation and sustainable architectural design.
The remains of Jalali Castle and its historic ice houses are open and accessible to the public year-round. However, spring and autumn are the best times to visit, offering pleasant weather and an ideal opportunity to explore the ruins in comfort. Strolling through the site offers a unique glimpse into Persian ingenuity and medieval architecture.
For more information on traditional Persian ice houses (Yakhchals), visit the Wikipedia page on Yakhchal.
Visit Jalali Castle and its Ice Houses to witness Persian architectural brilliance and timeless survival techniques in the heart of the desert.
