Alamut Castle

Mysteries and Legends of Medieval Persia

Incredible, mysterious, admirable, terrifying, or even unbelievable! Just like King Arthur stories, the story of the fabled assassins of the Medieval world and their legendary Alamut Castle has always charmed the world.  It was from this renowned castle and its surrounding valley that the idolized leader of the group sent dedicated men to far-away lands. It was the name of this place that brought chill to the bones of 11^th century political and religious figures. And it was about this place that people made folklore; writers wrote books; and designers made games! Today, a visit to the ruins of Alamut Castle will not only give you a pleasant sense of history, but it will also fill you with admiration for the beauties of the surrounding Alamut Valley. Stay with me to hear the thrilling story of Medieval Alamut Castle!

Why Visit Alamut Castle

• It is an adventure through one of the backdrops of Medieval era.
• It gives you a picture of 11^th century Iran and its role in the Crusade Wars.
• You can enjoy a walk around one of Iran’s most popular hiking destinations.
• The breathtaking nature of the valley where the assassins castle is located will charm you.

The Mysterious Assassins

At the same time when crusader knights and Muslim commanders were the glory of the earth, a secret group of killers scared the life out of both Muslim and Christian leaders. These Medieval assassins were led by a man known as the Old Man of the Mountain: Hassan-i Sabbah. As a religious man who had mastered philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, languages, palm reading, and metaphysics, Hassan-i Sabbah grew dissatisfied with the injustice imposed by the ruling class.

So, he set on traveling around and inviting people to join him on a religious rebellion against their “unworthy” government. Gaining the trust, friendship and dedication of many, he became the leader of the most professional sect of his time. One of the first steps in their campaign was finding secure headquarters on the mountains of Persia and Syria. From their mysterious mountain fortresses, they came down to kidnap or murder the leading political and religious figures of their day. Although they were the masters of combat, their strategy was based on spying and silent assassination (kind of like the Faceless Men of Game of Thrones). But is it the only version of the story?

The Marco Polo Version of the Assassins

In his story of “the Old Man of the Mountains”, Marco Polo describes Hassan-i Sabbah as a cult leader who tricks young men into following his orders. By putting them in a trance with hashish, he led them to a secret garden filled with beautiful girls! Then he sent them out on assassination missions and fooled them with the promise of paradise. Shocking! Isn’t it?! But considering the fact that these assassins were rebels fighting against a corrupt government, this story could have been just a horrible rumor to break them!

The Story of Alamut Castle

Alamut Castle became world-known only after it became the headquarter of the 11^th century assassins. But its story doesn’t begin there. Two centuries before Hassan-i Sabbah was even born (around 865 AD), Alamut valley was the hunting ground of the aristocracy. On one of these hunting trips, a nobleman saw an eagle fly over a high cliff. This made him realize the strategic location of the cliff. So, he ordered the construction of a fortress over that cliff, a fortress that was destined to become one of the most fearsome castles of the Middle Ages.

The position and structure of the fortress made it impossible to conquer. But it was in 1090 AD that Hassan Sabbah made the impossible possible. He made his way into the valley as a teacher and gained the trust of a number of locals and soldiers in the castle. His plan worked out well and he became the first person to capture the castle, without spilling any blood. With Alamut in his possession, Hassan started a construction project to further secure and strengthen the castle. For almost 200 years, Alamut Castle was the main base of Hassan Sabbah and the seven campaign leaders that followed him. But in 1256, Mongol invaders succeeded in capturing the castle. They destroyed the castle and made sure no one else could use the fortress in future.

Alamut Castle Today

Alamut Castle is standing on a 180-meter-high cliff. This position makes the fortress inaccessible except through one path that twists and turns toward the only gate. After a short hike up the beautiful path (which is now a staircase), you’ll reach the ruins of what used to be a reputed castle. Even access to the interior of the remaining ruins is forbidden. But still, the ruins, the incredible view the cliff gives to the delightful beauties of Alamut Valley, and the sense of history that you feel there make your trip to Alamut Castle a unique experience.

The Fabled Library of Alamut Castle

For a learned man like Hassan Sabbah, after fortification, Alamut castle needed a great library! He filled his exquisite library with astronomical instruments and books on math, alchemy, astronomy, philosophy, and theology. This attracted scholars and scientists from around the world. They stayed for months, studying, learning and having scientific debates. Unfortunately, this library and the rare books inside it were mostly destroyed during the Mongol invasions.

The Secret of the Name

Remember how an eagle showed the great position of Alamut to the hunting nobleman? So ‘Alamut’, meaning ‘the Eagle’s Teaching’ makes perfect sense. But decoding the name by Abjad system (an Arabic alphanumeric code) will amaze you! The numerical value of ‘Alamut’ in Abjad system is 483, the date (based on lunar calendar) it fell into the hands of Hassan Sabbah!

Finding Alamut Castle

In the western edge of Iran’s Alborz mountains, between the dry plain of Qazvin and the green mountain forests of the north of Iran, you can find the beautiful Alamut Valley.  Somewhere in the valley, Alamut Castle is standing on top of a high cliff above Gazor Khan Village (East Alamut District).

More About Alamut Castle

Open Hours: 8 a.m. to6 p.m.

Open Days: All days except some public holidays

Best Season: Late spring and summer

Nearby Attractions:

It seems like Hassan Sabbah and his followers had a great taste in choosing their headquarters. The endless beauties of Alamut Valley make it a great place for hiking, camping, picnicking, and photography. Ovan lake is one of these beauties. Plus, apart from Alamut castle, you can check out the remains of more than 20 other of the Castles of the Assassins in Alamut Valley. Lambsar Castle is next in line after Alamut Castle.

Where to Eat Near Alamut Castle:

Dastkand Café

Alamut Castle Restaurant and Local Guesthouse

Bagh-e Golestan Restaurant and Guesthouse

Like to check out Alamut Castle?

Two of our hiking adventures, the 1-day East Alamut tour and the 2-day East and West Alamut tour, and one of our trekking adventures, the 3-day Hike to Alamut castle and Summit Sialan Mountain, can get you there.