Qaleh Tarikhi Southeastern Iran

Birjan's adobe-plastered fortress has been comprehensively restored and looks particularly impressive at night when glowing with the lights of the teahouse-restaurant that occupies its ground floor. Climb the ramparts for views across the last vestiges of mud-brick old town, towards the mountain-backed modern city behind. Even if the castle's large wooden gates are locked, views are still impressive if you wander around the outer side of the walls.