Belqeys Castle

Belqeys Castle is one of the historical monument in North Khorasan Province considered as the second adobe monument after Arg e Bam in Iran.

Belqeys Castle is the second adobe monument of Iran located in a city with the same name. Belqeys city includes a lot of historical monuments, but this castle is the most important one. You will see this old castle three kilometers southwest of Esfarāyen, North Khorasan Province.

• Architecture
   

According to the evidence, Belqeys Castle has constructed on a flat plain that a deep moat surrounded it. This castle was a three-story architectural monument in the past, but a mud shell has remained of this castle. It dates back to the 4000 years ago. Belqeys Castle has an area of over 51,000 square meters with 29 towers around it. The main entrance gate located on the northern side of castle that is completely ruined. Moreover, according to archaeologist’s excavations, there were some rooms inside the castle which were connected. Each of them had several entrances from the north, south, and east side with thick walls. These entrances were built in the direction of wind blow in the summer to cool spaces. Small Tandoors (a hole like an oven in the hearth of the wall or ground) have discovered located just below the floor in the room, used to heat the spaces in the cold seasons.

• Where to stay?
   

  You can stay in the nearest hotels or local houses to the castle as follows:
   
  • Sana-Belqeys: It is a local house located in the Feshanjerd - Gurpan – Esfarāyen road, near the Josheghan Village, North Khorasan Province, Iran. It takes six minutes by car to the castle. Also, it is a 24 – minute walk to the castle.
     
  • Vesal Royan: It is a local house located in Rooieen, Esfarāyen, North Khorasan Province, Iran. It takes 41 minutes by car to the castle.
     
  • Sarigol: It is a local house located in Taleghani Street, Esfarāyen, North Khorasan Province, Iran. It takes 18 minutes by car to the castle.

• What is the best time to go?
   

Esfarāyen is placed in the east of Alborz mountain range. The best time to visit the Belqeys Castle is from late March until early November. During this period you can enjoy the beauties of nature and visit the other attractions of North Khorasan Province such as Mofakham's Mirror House. It takes one hour from the castle to this monument.

• Getting there?
   

To reach there you can go to the Esfarāyen, North Khorasan Province. Take a taxi and reach to the castle three kilometers southwest of Esfarāyen. Also, the following map can help you to find the exact location of Belqeys Castle: