Where to Travel in IRAN

Adobe architecture has developed its own distinctive style in Iran. Bordering the great Iranian deserts are several impressive and charming mud built villages and towns that are well worthwhile including in a longer Iran visit. Marco Polo visited Yazd on his way to China and called it the “good and noble city of Yazd”. The architecture of Yazd is arguably the most traditionally Persian to be found, preserved by the hot climate and spared the devastation of invaders. The city is known for its wind-towers (badgirs), and as the centre of Iran’s Zoroastrian community. There is a functioning Zoroastrian Temple within which is a sacrificial fire – and two abandoned Towers of Silence which date back to the 17th century. The city has several fine and beautifully tiled Islamic sites too. Kashan is located on the road between Tehran and Isfahan and is considered the epitome of everything that is typically Persian. The city’s ‘Fin Gardens’ ranks amongst the finest in Iran. A fine example of an old residence is Kashan’s Boroujerdi House. Natanz is a small mountain town located on the road to Kashan. The Masjid-e-Jame here is amongst the finest in Iran. Ardestan, to the south of Kashan, has one of the finest Seljuk mosques in its Masjid-e-Jame, while Na’in, in the geographic centre of Iran, also has a Friday Mosque which dates to the early Islamic period. There is also a beautiful example of a Safavid house.