The incredible Hissar Fortress is one of the most famous historical monuments of Tajikistan. It was built to protect the local population and trade caravans from the raids of nomads. The Hissar fortress still impresses with its power and monumentality, especially after major restoration. It's a must-see!

The incredible fortress was constructed around 3,000 years ago, during the height of the Great Silk Road's popularity. It was built right near Hissar, making it an ideal spot for trade and commerce along this ancient route. The remaining remains of fortifications were built in the 16th–19th centuries, making this an incredible historical site! The Hissar Fortress in Tajikistan is one of the oldest and largest architectural monuments of Central Asia, and it's absolutely incredible!

Now it is an incredible open-air museum with an area of 86 hectares, located on the site of an ancient settlement. Just 30 km from the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, you will find this incredible attraction!

For a long time, the magnificent Hissar fortress served as the residence of the governor of the Emir of Bukhara and the base where the state troops were located. Fortunately, two magnificent cylindrical towers and structures around the main gate, built in the 16th century on the orders of the Emir of Bukhara, have survived to this day. The magnificent fortress was completed in the 19th century! All of the structures are made of burnt brick, which gives them a unique and fascinating look.

The magnificent Hissar fortress was constructed on the slope of a grand hill. An impressive 1-meter-thick fortress wall, complete with loopholes for guns and cannons, was constructed using baked bricks. The main gate is a stunning example of traditional feudal military architecture, perfectly capturing the essence of the Bukhara Emirate. In the large arched opening of the fortress wall, there stood strong gates, which were guarded on both sides by two powerful cylindrical watchtowers. At the top of the towers, there were shooting platforms with a high parapet to protect the soldiers and cut loopholes—a brilliant design! The thick brick walls of this monumental and austere structure were devoid of decoration, yet they still looked impressive!

The wide staircases and terraces lined with bricks led to the main entrance to the citadel, which was simply magnificent! The inner territory was a large courtyard with the governor's palace complex, a swimming pool, and a huge garden. On the other hand, there was a large market square with a caravanserai (medieval hotel) and many shopping malls, which were a real treat!

In the 16th–18th centuries, two incredible madrassas and the magnificent mausoleum of Makhdumi Azam (translated as "The Greatest Lord") were constructed. It is still a mystery who commissioned them. Nearby, as with any other medieval fortress, there were lively houses and bustling craft workshops.

The locals have a rich and fascinating history surrounding the Hissar Fortress, with legends and stories that have been passed down for centuries. One of the most popular legends has it that Afrosiyob built the citadel to protect himself from Rustam. They are both famous heroic characters from Firdausi's incredible epic poem, "Shahnameh."

Another fascinating mythical story from the Hissar fortress tells us that the noble Muslim Caliph Ali came to these lands in ancient times to spread the teachings of Islam on his legendary horse, Dul-dul. He made a stop at the mountain, located to the west of Hissar and now called Poyi Dul-dul! In a daring act, he entered the fortress disguised as an acrobat-tightrope walker. And wouldn't you know it, they recognized him and tried to capture him! But the faithful horse brought him the magic sword, "Zulfikar," and Ali killed all the enemies, including the evil sorcerer!

Availability: year-round 

 Direction: Dushanbe-Hissar

 Duration: 1 day (5-6 hours) 

 Type of tour: group (6 or more persons)