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Jalali Castle and nearby Ice Towers

Jalali Castle reflects the historical identity of Kashan with its unique glory, and its Familier to the old glaciers from a few centuries ago.
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Introduction to Jalali Castle

When you are sightseeing in the historical neighborhood of Kashan, visiting the colourful and painted historical houses, you will encounter a high thatched wall in the area, which was an invincible fortress in the past, and several times saved the inhabitants from the invaders’ attacks. Jalali Castle reflects the historical identity of Kashan with its unique glory; from the top, you can see the appearance of the city’s historical context as well. If you have not seen the old glaciers from a few centuries ago, we recommend you visiting the spot.

History of Jalali Castle

Jalali Castle is an extensive and magnificent castle from the Seljuk period, where was built in the fifth century by Sultan Jalal-Al-Din’s order. Such a colossal building made of clay and mud has saved the Kashan’s people from the severe attacks of the enemy troops several times and was once the centre of government and the citadel of the land. Jalali castle is next to the Seljuk fence, and according to history books, had built connected to the city’s fortifications. Hence, the southern wall was the city’s fortress, with a moat dug around it. Unlike other castles and barriers that hold a collection of mansions inside,  there were no traces of other buildings in the Seljuk’s fence, but people who were engaged in agriculture. Jalali Castle and Seljuk wall not only in this rule’s period but also in Safavid eras had the title of city’s and the people’s protector, however, the peak days of the structure came to an end in the Qajar period. Today, Jalali Castle has been slightly destroyed in some parts, but it still encompasses its distinctions and is still interesting for tourists due to its glaciers.

Architecture of the Castle

In some central hot and dry regions of Persia in the past, in addition to the reservoirs that people built to store water, there were brick glaciers to supply cold water and ice for the warm seasons. At first, they dug a large pit, then built a conical dome on it, which usually had an entrance, and in the cold seasons, people transferred the ice from the mountains and surrounding areas into the dug pit. In the continuation of the refrigerators’ construction, the ice had to be placed on top of each other with particular care, as any hole or space between them could contribute to the melted ice. Then, the filled pit of ice should be covered with dry grass and firewood. There was intense heat in the Kashan region in summers, which led to two glaciers construction on the outside and inside of Jalali Castle. The glaciers’ water was supplied from the springs of Karkas Mountain, and the  Kashan’s residents kept their meat, dairy products, and ice in these glaciers.

When stepping inside the fence, you will encounter an arable land where is surrounded by a thatched wall and old glaciers on both sides. It is as you have suddenly entered the world of a few centuries ago from today’s street.

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