| Saru Castles | |
|---|---|
قلعههای سارو | |
 The Greater Saru Castle | |
 Interactive map of Saru Castles | |
| General information | |
| Type | Castle |
| Architectural style | Ismaili |
| Location | Semnan, Iran |
Saru Castles (Persian:قلعههای سارو; also spelledSoru,Persian pronunciation:[sɒːˈɾuː]) are two related fortifications located at 10 km in north east of the city ofSemnan,Iran, on mountains of south and north of a valley called Kalāteh Sārū (کلاته سارو, literally "Saru Castle") or Mazra'eh-ye Sārū (مزرعه سارو, "Saru Farm"). The northern castle, theLesser Saru (ساروی کوچک), is mostly in ruins. The southern castle, theGreater Saru (ساروی بزرگ), or simply theSaru Castle (قلعه سارو), is the main one and is relatively intact. It is 100 m higher than the Lesser Saru.[1] The Greater Saru has triple defensive outer walls and an unusual double-bend main entrance way, and features a sophisticatedwater catchment area. The Lesser Saru was used to defend the Kalateh Saru natural springs from which water was pumped to the main castle.
The Saru Castles are believed to be used byArsacids,Dabuyids ofTabaristan,Buyids, and eventually by theNizari Ismailis,[1] who built the current castle on the site of an earlier fortification.[2] Saru is relatively understudied, and is a well-preserved case to study the architecture of theIsmaili castles. The Saru Castles are located at 80 km ofGerdkuh, another Ismaili castle of theQumis region.[1]
The etymology of the wordSārū (سارو) is uncertain.[2]
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