Yazd is a city located in central Iran. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful architecture, and unique desert landscapes. The city has a long history, dating back to the Achaemenid period, and it has been an important center of trade, culture, and religion for centuries.
In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Yazd is also known for its unique desert landscape and its traditional mud brick architecture. Many of the city’s buildings, including homes, mosques, and bathhouses, are constructed from mud bricks, and they are often decorated with intricate tilework and other traditional forms of decoration.
| Yazd tourist’s attractions and highlights | Yazd Hotels |
| Amir Chakhmaq Complex | Safaiyeh Hotel (*****) |
| Tower of Silence | Moshir Al Mamalek Garden Hotel (****) |
| Chak Chak | Dad Hotel (****) |
| Jame Mosque | Fazeli Hotel (***) |
| Dolat Abad Garden | Khaan dohad Hotel (***) |
| Old city of Yazd (Bafte Ghadim) | Laleh Hotel (***) |
| Zoroastrian fire temple (Atashkadeh) | Firoozeh Hotel (***) |
| Mirror and light museum | Royaye Qadim Hotel (***) |
| Narin (or Pars) citadel of Meybod | Parsian Azadi Hotel (***) |
| Pigeon tower (Meybod) |
The Old City of Yazd
The Old City of Yazd is a historic district in the city of Yazd, Iran, that features a unique blend of traditional Persian and desert architecture. The old city is characterized by its narrow, winding streets, traditional mud-brick buildings, historic homes, and numerous historical sites and monuments, including the Jameh Mosque, the Fire Temple, Alexander’s Prison, and the Dowlatabad Garden. The old city has been well-preserved, and many of its buildings date back to the 12th and 13th centuries. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017 for its well-preserved example of a desert city, with its traditional water management system, distinct architecture, and ancient historical sites.
Alexander’s Prison
Alexander’s Prison, also known as “Alexandria’s Dungeon,” is a historical structure in the city of Yazd, Iran. It is believed to date back to the Sassanian Empire and is said to have been used as a prison by Alexander the Great during his invasion of Iran. The structure is a cylindrical tower with a small entrance and no windows, making it an ideal location for a prison. Although its exact history is uncertain, Alexander’s Prison is a popular tourist attraction in Yazd, and visitors come to admire its unique architecture and learn about its role in the city’s history.
Fire Temple
Fire Temple in Yazd is a historical temple in Yazd, Iran, dedicated to the worship of Zoroastrianism’s fire deity, Adur. It is considered one of the oldest fire temples in the world and has been a place of worship for over a thousand years. The temple is located in the heart of the city and is one of the most famous landmarks of Yazd. This popular tourist destination attracts visitors from all over the world who are interested in learning about the history of Zoroastrianism and the significance of fire in this ancient religion.
The Water Museum
The Water Museum of Yazd is a museum that showcases the traditional water management systems used in the region. The museum displays various objects and artifacts related to the history and culture of water management in the desert city of Yazd, including qanats, wind towers, and cisterns. The museum aims to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and the historical significance of traditional water management techniques in the region.
The Zoroastrian Towers of Silence
The Zoroastrian Towers of Silence are circular towers that were used by the Zoroastrian community for the disposal of the dead. They are located on the outskirts of cities and were used as an alternative to traditional burial or cremation practices.
In these towers, the dead were placed on top of the tower, where they were exposed to the elements and scavenging birds. The Zoroastrians believed that the exposure of the dead to the elements and the birds helped to purify the body and the soul, and it was considered to be a sacred act.
Today, the Towers of Silence are an important part of Zoroastrian history and culture, and they provide visitors with a glimpse into the beliefs and practices of this ancient religion. Although they are no longer in use, they are still considered to be sacred sites by the Zoroastrian community.
Visitors to the Towers of Silence can learn about the history and culture of the Zoroastrian community, and they can admire the unique architecture of these fascinating structures.
Dowlatabad Garden
The Dowlatabad Garden is a beautiful Persian garden located in Yazd, Iran. It was built in the 18th century and is considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens in Iran. The garden features a two-story building, which serves as the main residence, as well as a wind tower, which was used for cooling in the hot climate of Yazd.
The garden is designed in the traditional Persian style, with a series of terraces, flower beds, and water features that lead to the main building. The two-story building is decorated with beautiful tilework and intricate plaster decorations, and it provides visitors with a glimpse into the traditional architecture of Iran.
In addition to its beauty and architectural significance, the Dowlatabad Garden is also known for its tranquil atmosphere. It is a peaceful place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the garden, and it provides a stark contrast to the bustling city of Yazd.
Visitors to the Dowlatabad Garden can admire its beautiful architecture, explore its peaceful grounds, and learn about the traditional Persian style of gardening.
Amir Chakhmaq Complex
The Amir Chakhmaq Complex is a large square located in the heart of the city of Yazd, Iran. It is one of the most important landmarks in the city and is famous for its impressive three-story tall façade of symmetrical sunken alcoves. The complex includes a mosque, a tekyeh (a place for mourning during religious ceremonies), and a hosseinieh (a place for gathering and religious rituals).
The façade of the complex is particularly impressive and is illuminated at night, making it a popular tourist destination. The symmetrical sunken alcoves are decorated with intricate tilework and intricate plaster decorations, and the façade is topped by a large iwan (a traditional Persian architectural element).
In addition to its impressive façade, the Amir Chakhmaq Complex is also known for its bazaar, which is located underneath the square. The bazaar is a traditional market, and it is a great place to shop for local goods and souvenirs.
Jameh Mosque
The Jameh Mosque of Yazd is one of the largest and most impressive mosques in Iran. It is located in the heart of the city of Yazd and is known for its beautiful tilework and intricate plaster decorations. The mosque has a long history, dating back to the 8th century, and it has been expanded and renovated several times over the centuries.
The mosque features a large central dome and several smaller domes, as well as two minarets. The interior of the mosque is decorated with beautiful tilework, intricate plaster decorations, and stunning calligraphy. The mosque is also known for its spacious courtyards, which provide a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere for visitors.
In addition to its religious significance, the Jameh Mosque of Yazd is also an important historical site. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Iran and the Islamic faith.
Lari House
The Lari House is a 19th-century traditional Persian house located in the city of Yazd, Iran. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of traditional Persian architecture, and it is known for its intricate tilework, beautiful gardens, and unique architectural features.
The Lari House was built by a wealthy merchant family, and it is an excellent example of the traditional style of living in Persia. The house is organized around a central courtyard, and it features a number of rooms arranged around the courtyard. The interior of the house is decorated with beautiful tilework, intricate plaster decorations, and stunning calligraphy. In addition to its architectural and aesthetic significance, the Lari House is also an important historical site. It provides visitors with a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy merchant families of Persia and the traditional style of living in Iran.
