SAEDNEWS: Arg-e Rayen is Iran’s second-largest adobe citadel, showcasing ancient Persian architecture. Located in Kerman, it offers a glimpse into centuries of history and culture.
According to SAEDNEWS, Arg-e Rayen is regarded as one of Iran’s most remarkable heritage sites, renowned globally as the “second-largest adobe citadel in the world,” ranking just after the UNESCO-recognized Arg-e Bam.
Situated in the historic city of Rayen within Kerman province, Arg-e Rayen is a vast mud-brick fortress covering more than 22,000 square meters. This adobe stronghold remained occupied up until the 19th century and served as a significant military and defensive post through numerous eras of Persian history.
Its strategic importance was particularly notable during the reign of Nader Shah Afshar and later under the Zand dynasty, as it functioned as a political and commercial hub due to its advantageous location along the trade route linking Kerman, Jiroft, and Bandar Abbas.
Though often eclipsed by the more expansive Arg-e Bam, Rayen Citadel has emerged as a vital historical structure. Its remarkable preservation, despite being exposed to repeated seismic activity and environmental stress, provides scholars with rare insights into ancient Persian fortification methods and urban design.
Composed entirely of mudbrick, the citadel exemplifies classic Iranian fortress craftsmanship. Its layout features soaring perimeter walls, sixteen fortified towers, and a prominent main gate on the eastern flank. Inside, the space is organized into functional zones—residential quarters, a central keep, commercial areas, a mosque, educational and bathing facilities, and administrative buildings. The elite sector showcases refined architectural elements such as multilevel structures, enclosed courtyards, and expansive ceremonial halls.
Among its intriguing features are cleverly concealed escape pathways, engineered to allow governing elites to evade capture during sieges. The octagonal structure that served as the governor's residence further exemplifies the artistic and structural sophistication of Persian architecture.
Beyond its architectural prowess, Rayen Citadel represents a living chronicle of Iran’s early societal organization. The layout reflects a clear hierarchy, with designated living areas for nobility, military members, and civilians.
Rayen itself earned a reputation for its artisanal expertise, particularly in forging blades and edged tools, which bolstered its local economy and regional standing.
Other attractions
Travelers to Rayen can enjoy additional sites of interest, such as the picturesque Rayen Waterfall near the citadel, the green highland village of Gishigan, the beautifully crafted Jameh Mosque of Rayen, and Mount Hezar—the fourth-tallest peak in Iran—ideal for trekking and nature exploration.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for visiting Arg-e Rayen, allowing tourists to comfortably explore the fortress and nearby destinations. A typical tour of the citadel takes about two to three hours.
A melting pot of culture
Kerman province, where Rayen is located, reflects a fusion of diverse regional identities, having absorbed cultural influences over centuries. The area boasts a wealth of historical and touristic landmarks, including ancient trading centers, religious buildings, and remnants of former cities.
Geographically, Kerman is bordered by Fars to the west, Yazd to the north, South Khorasan to the northeast, Sistan-Baluchestan to the east, and Hormozgan to the south. It also encompasses a portion of Iran’s central desert expanse, the Dasht-e Lut.
