Sheykh Makan Castle

Sheykh Makan Castle lies in the heart of the mountain in Sheykh Makan village near the Darreh Shahr in Ilam Province.

Sheykh Makan Castle is situated in the west side of Sheykh Makan strait. This castle dates back to the Qajar era but has a Sassanid architectural style. This old castle that has an area of 425 square meters has registered in the national heritage list. It is better to know that this castle also is known as Pour-Ashraf Castle.

• Architecture

The west side of this castle is leaning against the mountain, and eastern façade has been constructed by stone and plaster. There are some merlons above the fence of castle. Sheykh Makan Castle has four chambers and an entrance gate which is located on the northern side. The roof connect to the watchtower and eastern wall trough 17 stairs in the heart of the mountain. The construction material of the castle consists of cobble and plaster.

• Attraction of Ilam

  Your journey will be the best experience of your life if you visit the other attractions of Ilam province as follow:
   
  • Bahram Choobin strait is placed 12 kilometers east of the Darreh Shahr city. It takes 12 minutes by car to Sheykh Makan Castle.
     
  • Madakto ancient city is placed on the west and southwest side of Darreh Shahr city. It takes 20 minutes by car to the Sheykh Makan Castle.
     
  • Siah Gav Twin Lakes is placed eight kilometers of Siah Gav road from the city of the Abdanan. It takes one hour and 36 minutes by car to Sheykh Makan Castle.

• Accommodation

  You can stay in the nearest hotles to the castle as follows:
   
  • Madakto Hotel is a two-star hotel located on Nirooye Havaei Street, Ilam Province. It takes 14 minutes by car from the hotel to the castle.
  • Kabir Kouh local house is located Gavmishan, Ilam Province. It takes 21 minutes by car from the hotel to the castle.

• What is the best time to go?

This historic castle lay in Sheykh Makan village near the Darreh Shahr in Ilam Province. Due to the climate of Darreh Shahr, the best time to visit this castle is during spring and summer. During this period you will enjoy marvelous mountainous nature.

• Getting there?

If you want to see Sheykh Makan Castle, you will go eight kilometers east of Darreh Shahr in Sheykh Makan village. It takes 13 minutes from Darreh Shahr to Sheykh Makan Castle by car. This following map can help you to find the best destination: