Arg-e-Bam (Bam Citadel) and its city are among the most important and historic military fortresses and is situated about 200 km southeast of Kerman and 120 km northeast of Jiroft (in the northeastern part of the city of Bam) on top and on the slopes of the rock, there were strong fortresses, called by people as citadel (Arg).which is one of the world’s largest mud-brick complexes. Located on a hilltop, the citadel consisted of a series of three concentric walls made of mud brick and palm timbers. Arg-e-Bam with more than 2,500 years old antiquity, has been registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004.

The citadel, which contains the governor’s quarters and the fortified residential area, forms the central focus of a vast cultural landscape, which is marked by a series of forts and citadels, now in ruins. Arg with an approximate area of 200,000 square meters, is considered to be the largest collection of masonry works in the world. It was built in the 5th century BC (Achaemenid period) and continued to be used until 1850, about twenty centuries.

Arg-e-Bam is the best example of Iranian Architectural

Arg-e-Bam is a complete example of Iranian architectural practices.The building is made up of mud, bricks and mud, and is the largest mosaic of the world, one of the most beautiful buildings since 2500 years ago. Arg is the most representative example of a fortified medieval town built in vernacular technique using mud layers (Chineh ) sun-dried mud bricks (khesht), and vaulted and domed structures.

Security was a major concern in the Arg-e Bam: the citadel complex was surrounded by deep trenches and four encircling and dividing defensive walls. The "first" wall enclosed the largest area, including the Arg proper and the old city. The residential complex contains the governor's residence, baths, a detached watchtower, the chahar fasl ("four seasons") palace, the prison, the dungeons, and one of the citadel wells. The military section comprises the commander's quarters, barracks, stables for 200 horses, and two wells.

Chahar fasl which is square in plan and domed above, is a three-level structure, and is partially built into the cliff. On its upper (above-ground) story, supported on a platform, additional rooms are linked to each corner of this square plan by vaults. This plan remember also the prototype for a Zoroastrian fire temple. For many reasons including various types of monuments and residential neighborhoods and the way they combine with each other and the place of the whole complex which located at the end to the unique mansion at the highest point, Arg-e-Bam has many values in architecture and urbanization.

Arg-e Bam in 2018

The historic Arg-e-Bam, the first point of the crossroads of Iranian architecture and urbanization, was destroyed by terrible earthquakes in 2003. As a result of this earthquake, more than 80 percent of the historic Bam eruption disappeared. Fortunately the citadel has been restored. Nowadays you can discover Bam in one day, visit historical Arg, its modern city, amazing Qanat, fantastic palm trees, rest in local ecolodges and have a good experience with local food in restaurants.