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Fire Temple - Isfahan

 

The Fire Temple of Isfahan ia a tower like structure located at the top of this hill, known as the Hill of Maras (Marabin). The hill is named after a village with the same name, located beside it. The hill rises about 210 meters in height. In the past, this hill was used as a complex to house a citadel, storage rooms, houses for priests and also for the visitors as well. 
As soon as one starts to climb up, the visitors are greeted with a wonderful views of the surrounding plains and mountains. It is believed that at one stage, there were twenty buildings at this site but now there is nothing but ruins. A tower like structure is locally known as Burj-e Kurban (The Tower of Sacrifice).

Driving towards the Fire Temple of Isfahan - in the background the Hill of Maras (Marabin) can be seen
Driving towards the Fire Temple of Isfahan - in the background the Hill of Maras (Marabin) can be seen
The Fire Temple of Isfahan ia a tower like structure located at the top of this hill
There was no marked path and I have to find my way up - I left the taxi driver waiting at the bottom of the hill
View of the surrounding areas
View of the surrounding areas
It was winter season and all the trees in the surrounding areas bore the effects of cold weather
The area in front of me was stretching towards the city of Isfahan
The area in front of me was stretching towards the city of Isfahan
Now, I have almost reached at the top of the hill and the view was worth the effort
Now, I have almost reached at the top of the hill and the view was worth the effort
remains of an old structure
remains of an old structure
This circular building was beside the Fire Temple
Looking at the road below from the side of the Maras Hill
Looking at the road below from the side of the Maras Hill

 

At one stage this tower was 20 meters in height. It is believed this tower may had been used as a beacon to warn for the coming enemies in the past. This tower was going under some renovation work when I visited the site. There are remains of the citadel are located on the southern side of the hill. 
It is estimated that the Fire Temple had existed here since the 3rd century. While i was there, I saw a guy with his two donkeys bringing construction material for the builders. I greatly admired the strength and skills of the animals to climb the hill.

This round tower like structure is locally known as Burj-e Kurban (The Tower of Sacrifice)
This tower was going under some renovation work when I visited the site
This tower was going under some renovation work when I visited the site
There were few ruined walls and some low lying structures on the hill
There were few ruined walls and some low lying structures on the hill
These are remains of the citadel
These are remains of the citadel
A worker with a hat standing on the hill - his face was glowing with the strong sun (it was the month of February)
A worker with a hat standing on the hill - his face was glowing with the strong sun (it was the month of February)
A guy with his two donkeys bringing construction material for the builders
A guy with his two donkeys bringing construction material for the builders
Donkeys on the way up to the Fire Temple hill of Isfahan
Here guy with the hat is seen standing at the edge of the hill and waiting for the supplies
Here guy with the hat is seen standing at the edge of the hill and waiting for the supplies
The hill was becoming steeper and the owner of the animals was encouraging them to move on
The donkeys have almost made to the top while guy with hat is still standing and watching their progress