Khorramabad moves closer to UNESCO status
The Director General of the Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization of Lorestan Province, Ata Hassanpour, has announced significant progress in the nomination process for the global registration of Khorramabad’s historic sites, stating that the supplementary dossier for the complex has been prepared for submission to UNESCO’s World Heritage List following archaeological excavations at Falak-ol-Aflak Hill and prehistoric caves.
Speaking to ISNA, Hassanpour said the dossier, which was submitted to UNESCO on Feb. 1, 2026, is expected to be reviewed and evaluated in July 2026, according to the usual process. He expressed optimism that the site could be inscribed on the World Heritage List alongside the Alamut nomination, noting that the necessary criteria for registration have been met.
He also announced the approval of a comprehensive 12-hectare development and conservation plan for the Falak-ol-Aflak area. The plan includes reorganizing the military complex located on the slopes of the castle, as well as restoring and rehabilitating historic walls while preserving their traditional architectural style. As part of the project, a 22-meter-long section of the wall on Dovazdeh-Borji Street will be reconstructed in line with historical methods and traditions.
Hassanpour also referred to planned changes in traffic management and public access around the site. He said the eastern side of Gap Bridge will be converted into a pedestrian zone.
He added that access from Mojahedin-e Islam Street toward the riverside area will also be redirected near Jalal Hosseini Park to reduce congestion in the area.
According to Hassanpour, the street leading to the entrance of Falak-ol-Aflak Castle will also become pedestrian-oriented. The current entrance gate will be converted into an exit, while the main entrance will be relocated to another area. The new entrance will include an urban plaza and resting spaces for visitors, creating a welcoming gateway to the cultural and historic complex.
The official expressed hope that, with the implementation of these plans this year, residents and tourists will witness a new and unique face of Khorramabad’s 12-hectare cultural, natural, and historical landscape, describing it as an exceptional site in Iran.
Hassanpour also highlighted plans to transform the province’s caves into “cave museums.” He said the project to convert six registered prehistoric caves around Falak-ol-Aflak Castle into cave museums, where prehistoric human life will be reconstructed and presented to visitors, is being actively pursued.