Sam Castle; an ancient fortress standing silent on a mountain
The Sam Castle is of great ancient origin and is built on a mountain named with the same name. Every year, with the arrival of spring, Chardavol in Ilam Province transforms into one of the country’s prominent tourist and recreational destinations.
This castle is a historical and ancient site, and nearby, there is a plane tree estimated to be 500 years old, which visiting it without doubt would be a delightful experience, ISNA wrote
A brief examination of the site reveals its strategic military and defensive purpose, as it is built on the highest point of Sam Mountain. The fortress comprises three interconnected yet distinct sections: two towers on the north and northwest sides, with a guard chamber inside the mountain, and the remnants of a fire temple on the southwestern side, which may have been converted into a mosque.
In addition to the 500-year-old tree near the fortress, several springs can be observed in the area.
Since no plan or blueprint was available during its construction, the builders shaped the rooms and entrances to suit the natural rock formations. Overall, the design of Sam Castle exhibits techniques similar to those of the Sassanid era, employing mortar and materials such as stone, plaster, and Sarooj (a traditional waterproof mortar). In some areas, mud was also used.
The Director General of the Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Organization of Ilam Province announced the commencement of restoration and organization projects at Sam Castle.
Farzad Sharifi added that the restoration and organization work includes dismantling damaged sections, reconstructing the stone walls, removing and cleaning soil layers, dredging, and creating channels and diversionary water paths leading to the historical site.
He stated that this complex consists of three interconnected yet separate parts, believed to have been formed over a period in history likely spanning from the late Parthian period to the early Sassanid era.
He noted that the architecture of this fortress is of a military and defensive nature and was built on the most inaccessible heights of the mountain, as it had no pre-made plans. The designer or architect constructed the towers, rooms, and entrances considering the natural positioning of the rocks.
Sharifi continued that Sam Castle was registered as one of the antiquities and historical attractions of Ilam Province on Iran’s National Heritage List.