Hissor Fortress is one of the best preserved historical sites in Tajikistan. The fortress was originally built around 2500 years ago. Throughout the history of the Central Asia region since then, this ancient stronghold has witnessed many changes in power, being demolished and rebuilt numerous times.
Hissor Fortress, located several kilometers south of the city center of Hissor, is a 25km drive from central Dushanbe and makes for a great day trip from the capital. There is, of course, the fortress itself that can be explored for a small fee as well as an art gallery, an old 16th century madrasa and the occasional wedding (especially on weekends) where you can observe the local customs and listen to authentic Tajik music played for the wedding party.
Cycling from Dushanbe to Hissor Fortress is a great 50km round trip with relatively good roads and much less traffic than in Dushanbe if you take either of the two roads just north and south of the Ayni Airbase. Don't take the main highway towards Hissor and Tursunzade, too much traffic there and also a few kilometers longer.
For day trippers: There is also a very nice (and huge, wedding-size) traditional restaurant not far from the fortress with indoor and outdoor tables right on the Hanaka River. The coordinates are N 38 29.000 E 068 34.900.
More info about Hissor Fortress can also be found here.
Happy hunting and have fun at the fortress!