Overview:

Qal'a-e-Nau is a fortified citadel located in Herat, Afghanistan. The site was originally constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries by the Timurids and it is known for its thick walls and ornate decorations. The citadel has been restored multiple times over the centuries and is now a protected historical site. The walls of the citadel stand up to 35 meters high and 18 meters thick and the fortification complex covers an area of 48,000 square meters. Inside the walls, there are several mosques, shrines, and other structures. The site has become a popular tourist attraction in Herat and is considered one of the most important historic sites in the region. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Afghanistan
Prominent Features:

1. Qal'a-e-Nau is a walled palace which was built in the early 16th century by Shaybanid ruler of Herat, Sultan Husayn Baiqara. 2. The palace is built on the site of an older Timurid (14th century) fortress. 3. Its design blends both Timurid and traditional Islamic architecture, with two majestic domes, high arches, and ornate mosaic tiles. 4. The main entrance is a large iwan (hall) flanked by octagonal towers. It is decorated with glazed tiles and verses from the Quran. 5. Inside the palace are several large halls, which were used for royal receptions and banquets. They are divided by archways and decorated with intricate stucco work. 6. The gardens around the palace are filled with lush greenery and flowerbeds. There is also an orchard, which is filled with various kinds of fruit trees. 7. Qal'a-e-Nau is also famous for its impressive galleries and museums, which house various artifacts from Herat's cultural heritage. 8. It is a popular destination among tourists and locals alike, due to its spectacular architecture and historic significance. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Afghanistan.

History:

The site of Qal’a-e-Nau was founded in the 3rd century BC and it underwent a series of city planning projects and successive expansions over the centuries, it was in the19th century, however, when it became one of the most important cities in Afghanistan, strategically located at the intersection of numerous modern and historic trade routes, such as the Silk Road. In the late 19th century, Qal’a-e-Nau became the capital of the Herat Khanate, and it was greatly expanded and improved during this period. Numerous mosques, schools, palaces, caravanserais, and bath houses were constructed in the city. Qal’a-e-Nau also served as an important trading center in the region, and its strategic location made it of utmost importance to the British Empire during the Anglo-Afghan Wars. The city was occupied by various forces in the 20th century, including the Soviet forces during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s. During this period, Qal’a-e-Nau was heavily damaged by aerial bombardments and shelling, leaving it in a badly damaged and neglected state. Despite this, the city still retains its distinctive beauty, its numerous monuments and historic sites, and its important role in the history and culture of Afghanistan. It is now being slowly restored and renovated, and it serves as an important cultural and local administrative center for the city and the wider region. Visit one of the famous monuments of Afghanistan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Qal'a-e-Nau is home to one of Afghanistan’s oldest and most impressive fortresses. Built in the 15th century by the Timurids, it is situated on a hill overlooking Herat, the country’s second largest city. 2. The fortress is comprised of towers, walls, moats, a mosque, stables and two high gates. It was built to defend around 400,000 people living in Herat during the time. 3. The fortress was so impressive that it made a strong impression on Babur, the first Mughal emperor of India. He described it as “one of the most remarkable forts in the world”. Today, it is said to be the only remaining major fortress of its calibre in the country. 4. Qal’a-e-Nau was heavily damaged during the bitter battles between the mujahidin and forces of the Soviet-backed government in the 1980s. It underwent extensive repair and renovation work in the early 2000s. 5. An archaeological museum, opened in 2006, is located inside the fortress. It houses ancient artifacts from the region, including coins, pottery, manuscripts, glassware, paintings, and musical instruments. One of the historical monuments of Afghanistan, it tells the story of a bygone era