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Qal'eh Dokhtar, Ghale Dokhtar, Dokhtar Castle or Dezh Dokhtar (Persian: دژ دختر, lit.'Maiden Castle') is a castle built by Ardashir I in present-day Fars, Iran, in 209 AD. It is located on a mountain slope near the route connecting the cities of Firuzabad and Kavar.[1][2] It is important in the field of Sasanian archaeology and is one of the eight designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Sassanid Archaeological Landscape of Fars Region.
The name of the castle implies it was dedicated to the Goddess Anahita, to whom the term "Maiden" refers.
The castle is built on a high bluff which overlooks the river and roadway running south from Fars. The site was likely chosen since it controls the main access point to the city of Firuzabad, or Ardashir-Khwarrah, which was founded by Ardashir I around the same time.[3]
It was presumably roofed by an arched vault. Beyond this there are steps to a third level and a large rectangular room with ¼ circle squinches at each corner supporting a domed roof. This was buttressed by very thick walls on all sides, presumably to ensure its stability, and the cupola could be reached by a spiral staircase on the south side.[4]
The 1,800-year-old castle has lost some four meters of its original height over the last century and experts warn if urgent measures are not taken to enforce it, the castle may soon collapse.[5]
