Saed News: Qalat Village is one of the natural and historical attractions of Shiraz County, located in Fars Province. With its unique geographical location and distinct culture, this village attracts numerous tourists every year.
According to the Saed News analytical-news website, quoting Eli Gasht, Qalat village, with its beautiful and tranquil landscapes, is one of the most popular destinations for domestic and international tourists looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and experience rural living. In this introduction, we aim to provide a brief overview of the features and attractions of this village.
At an altitude of 2,065 meters above sea level, a stunning and enchanting world called Qalat Shiraz reveals itself. This unforgettable village, with a population of nearly 7,000, is renowned not only for its ancient relics and cultural and historical attractions but also for its natural beauty and the unforgettable experience it offers. As you approach Qalat, its full charm remains elusive until you immerse yourself in its lush springs, deep cool valleys, and breathtaking scenery.
Qalat Shiraz is recognized as one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Fars Province, not only for its rich historical heritage but also for its stunning natural landscapes and remarkable ancient sites. Its compact yet traditional housing layout, still proudly maintaining its original form, presents a masterpiece of traditional architecture amidst the boundless beauty of the mountains. Here, one can witness remnants of the past that have withstood the test of time, even if some structures have succumbed to decay and crumbling mud-brick walls.
It is well-known that the people of Shiraz are among the most hospitable communities in Iran, and Qalat village is no exception. The locals celebrate various festivals and ceremonies, including weddings and religious gatherings, with unique and vibrant traditions.
During weddings and festivities, many villagers wear traditional Qashqai tribal attire and enjoy local music and "Vashang," a harmonious chant performed by the region's women during weddings, which is both delightful and captivating. Common musical instruments in Qalat include the drum, violin, "dohol" (a type of drum), and "sorna" (a wind instrument), forming a significant part of the village’s cultural and musical identity.
Qalat Shiraz, with its population of over 7,000, is a historical and picturesque village where people speak a dialect descended from Middle Persian, once the language of Fars during the Sassanian era. The villagers are engaged in agriculture, livestock farming, gardening, and the craft of "giveh" (a type of handmade traditional footwear). During celebrations, they wear Qashqai attire and play traditional music using instruments such as the drum, violin, dohol, and sorna. Weddings feature "Vashang" singing and traditional games like stick play and "Tarke Bazi." Additionally, Qalat is one of the centers of giveh production, a natural-material shoe that becomes softer and more comfortable over time.
Qalat Shiraz is home to numerous restaurants and cafes, ensuring visitors have easy access to meals without the hassle of carrying cooking supplies. Some of the popular local dishes include kashk and onions, kashk and walnuts, "kaleh pacheh" (a dish made from sheep's head and feet), lentil soup, and "ash reshteh" (a traditional Persian noodle soup).
Depending on the season of your visit, you can also enjoy a variety of fresh and delicious fruits such as grapes, almonds, walnuts, figs, pomegranates, apricots, and green plums, which are abundant in the area. Additionally, organic dairy products such as milk, "kashk" (dried yogurt), cheese, and butter are among the high-quality produce of Qalat Shiraz that visitors can savor.
A visit to Qalat Shiraz opens your eyes to a paradise of lush gardens and breathtaking landscapes. During spring, the village is so picturesque that it resembles a cherry blossom festival in Japan. The mountainous architecture, winding alleys, and crystal-clear rivers add to its charm.
The sight of waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs and the soothing sound of water hitting the stones create an unforgettable experience for visitors. Around the Shab Shateri River and Anjiri Spring, you’ll find a variety of medicinal plants like yarrow, thyme, mallow, savory, and pennyroyal, enhancing the beauty and appeal of Qalat’s rivers.
Besides its natural wonders, Qalat Shiraz is also home to historical sites. A centuries-old church with stone architecture, once a place of Christian worship and now in a state of disrepair, stands as a testament to the past. Other attractions include ancient watermills, the Qalat mountains, and various man-made relics that add to the village's allure.
Despite its small size, Qalat Shiraz offers numerous sights, from serene natural landscapes to invaluable historical landmarks, each telling its own unique story of beauty and history.
As you approach Qalat, you will first notice the stepped houses nestled among tall, lush trees. Most of these homes are built from stone, adobe, mud, plaster, and wood, featuring flat roofs, with some being single-story and others double-story structures.
On the outskirts of the village, modern buildings constructed with materials such as stone, cement, iron, and bricks stand tall, significantly changing the village's appearance. However, despite these new additions, Qalat has retained its natural beauty and historical charm, continuing to tell the story of its past with pride.
The people of Qalat Shiraz sustain themselves through agriculture, animal husbandry, and handicrafts, selling products such as fruits, grains, giveh (handmade shoes), woven baskets, and "mashk" (a traditional container for cooling water). Many residents are involved in farming, gardening, and various service and craft industries. The village produces walnuts, almonds, grapes, figs, pomegranates, apricots, plums, and green plums. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, butter, and kashk are also key products sold by the locals.
Additionally, villagers craft and sell items like giveh, woven baskets, traditional water containers, wooden items, and other handmade goods, ensuring their livelihood through traditional craftsmanship.
To reach Qalat, first travel to Shiraz, then take the Shiraz–Sepidan (Ardakan) road. After about 25 kilometers, you will see the sign for Qalat village and its underpass. Note that while part of the road leading to the village is paved, some sections may not be in the best condition. However, the internal paths of the village are stone-paved. You can park your car in the village center and start exploring on foot. Since Qalat is located in a mountainous region, be prepared for a long and narrow path with significant elevation changes.
An alternative route to Qalat passes through the Dry River and Maroon Valley. The entrance to this road is at the end of Afrinesh Boulevard in Hafez Township. This old road winds through rolling hills and mountainous terrain, offering a unique travel experience. However, if you are visiting in the summer, it’s best to avoid this route due to the heat, which may cause issues for your vehicle.
Qalat Shiraz, recognized as one of the natural gems of Fars Province, boasts countless tourist attractions while also harboring hidden and forgotten wonders. The simplicity of life, combined with the warmth and hospitality of the locals, offers visitors an opportunity to experience authentic rural life amidst breathtaking natural scenery. The presence of local handicrafts and products reflects the region's rich culture and artistry, further enhancing Qalat’s appeal to tourists and visitors alike.
Overall, Qalat Shiraz presents a harmonious blend of natural beauty, local culture, and contemporary rural life, attracting travelers year after year and leaving them with unforgettable memories.
