Every time we hear the name Shiraz, its attractions such as Hafeziyeh, Eram Garden, Nasir al-Molk Mosque, etc. come to mind. But in addition to these places of interest that are worth visiting several times, there are also charming and old villages such as Qalat Village in Iran, which has been a hangout for Shiraz poets such as Saadi Shirazi, our Iranian poet, since ancient times, due to its very pleasant climate and unique nature. If you, like us on the Hey Persia blog, are curious to learn more about the thousand-year-old village of Qalat, stay with us.
Where is Qalat village in Shiraz?
Qalat village in Shiraz is located at an altitude of 2065 meters above sea level and is a summer village that was registered in May 2019 as the first natural historical rural texture of Fars province in the list of national monuments of Iran. The distance from Shiraz to Qalat village is about 36 kilometers and it can be reached in 40 to 50 minutes. Geographically, this village is located near Qalat Mountain or “Red Mountain”, and the mountain surrounds it like a large and all-round fortress from 3 directions, south, east and west, so the only way to connect Qalat village with the outside is from its north side.
What do you know about Qalat village?
Qalat village is more than a thousand years old. This claim is also evidenced by the existence of old trees in this area. Another name for the village in the past was Qalat. Qalat means a village or village built on top of a high mountain. Qalat village is a country village with a population of nearly 7,000 people, built in a stepped manner in a foothill area “adjacent to Qalat Mountain”.
As mentioned, in May 2019, Qalat village was included in the list of national monuments of Iran. Qalat summer village, thanks to its pleasant climate and unique geographical location, is considered one of the most beautiful places around Shiraz, which has invited various tourists to visit since the past.
Architecture of Qalat village, Shiraz
Qalat Village in Iran, Shiraz consists of two new and old textures side by side. At the beginning of entering the village, you will encounter its new texture. After passing through the new texture, you will reach Qezel Arsalan Street and its old texture. The architecture of Qalat village is unique and is made of stone, brick, mud and wood. The roofs of the houses are flat and are built in 1 or 2 floors. All the streets of Qalat village, Shiraz are paved. Qalat village has various good amenities such as a mosque, cafe, restaurant, canteen, bakery, clinic, shop and parking.
Qalat village climate, Shiraz
The climate of Qalat Village in Iran is very pleasant and cool thanks to the presence of Mount Sorkh or Qalat, and unlike other parts of Fars province that may have hot weather; there is no heat here. A river called “Qara Aghaj” flows in this village. This river originates from a mountain called “Task” and flows in Qalat village. In addition to this river, there are 3 waterfalls on the outskirts of the village, two of which are more easily accessible. The smallest waterfall is located less than 2 kilometers from Qalat village.
Occupation of the people of Qalat village, Shiraz
Given that Qalat village has very fertile soil, most of the people of the village are engaged in gardening and animal husbandry. The women of the village also familiarize tourists with the handicrafts of this village and Qalat souvenirs by making various kinds of gifts, handmade baskets, and muskets for keeping water cool.
Customs and traditions of the people of Qalat, Shiraz
The people of Qalat village speak the semi-Luri or Parsing dialect. This dialect was popular among the people of Fars during the Sassanid period. The villagers wear Qashqai clothes in their various celebrations and ceremonies and use instruments such as the dehl, serena, and villon to play. Washi is a beautiful and heartwarming song that the village women sing at weddings. In addition to games such as choub bazi and tarneh bazi, adults and children also play games such as sang bazi and shesh khana. The most important happy ceremonies among the people of Qalat Village in Iran, Shiraz, are Chaharshanbe Suri, Sizdah Be Dar and Nowruz ceremonies, and they also mourn and mourn on the days of Tasu’a and Ashura.
Sights of Qalat village, Shiraz
Qalat Castle
Qalat Castle, Shiraz, also known as Qazel Arsalan Castle, is one of the sights of this region, located on top of the mountain and built during the Atabakan period. This building was completely renovated and used again during the Seljuk period.
Qalat Church, Shiraz
A church was built in this region after World War I, which is known as the Church of the Exaltation of Christ. This church was included in the list of national monuments of Iran on November 2, 2003. The Church of the Exaltation of Christ was built by missionaries between the First and Second World Wars for the Christians of the village.
Qalat Museum, Shiraz
Qalat Museum is an interesting museum where you can learn about the 2500-year history of this village. In this museum, which was established by Ramin Baghi, an artist from the village, you can see the daily life of the villagers such as giveh, agricultural tools, kilims, old banknotes, coins and several radios. This museum is set up in one of the old houses of the village and is free of charge.
Old Bath
Another place to see in the village of Qalat is an old bathhouse where the village elders believe that Saadi bathed.
Shab Shamtri Resort and Chesmeh Anjiri River
Shab Shamtri Resort is one of the famous resorts of this village, located 2.5 kilometers from it. This resort is located next to a river with the same name, Shab Shamtri. In Shab Shamtri Resort, there are various wild and medicinal flowers such as yarrow, marshmallow, persiavshan, rhubarb, artichoke, mountain thyme, oregano and savory, mountain almond or barshik, cacti, borage and jashir, which have made the area more beautiful. Just take a little distance from Shab Shamtri Resort and climb the heights of Qole Mountain to reach another lesser-known attraction of this area, Chesmeh Anjiri River.
Pachnar
Another place to see in Qalat village is the Pachnar neighborhood. The Pachnar neighborhood is actually 4 plane trees that are located next to each other, and the villagers light a fire next to them on the days of Ashura and Tasua.
Staying in Qalat village, Shiraz
As you have already noticed, Qalat village is so attractive that tourists do not want to return from visiting it very soon. If you also want to stay overnight in this village, you can visit several eco-lodges available in the area and choose one and create a different and memorable experience for yourself.
Best time to visit Qalat village, Shiraz
The pleasant weather does not create any restrictions for traveling to Qalat village. But the best time to travel to this area is spring and summer. If you are a nature lover in the fall, we recommend that you do not miss the fall of Qalat village.
If you travel to this area in the winter, be sure to bring warm clothes and suitable shoes with you, and be careful on the uphill and downhill paths, considering the village is stepped.
And finally…
Qalat village is one of the scenic villages of Shiraz, located 36 kilometers from this city, on the Sepidan road. If you are interested in traveling to Shiraz and Qalat village, you can join us at Hey Persia Travel Agency. Hey Persia is a safe and different choice for middle-aged people that helps them experience different and desirable trips with different interests and go to different and pristine places of interest. It is enough to join us once on Iran tours to become our regular companions. So register and join us.
