When Marco Polo passed Yazd in the 13th century, he described it as “a very fine and splendid city and a center of commerce.”
The old part of the city is the harmonious blend of Iranian architecture and culture, where you would be awed by its eye-catching beauty.
The city has a lot to offer to tourists. There are many places to visit in Yazd and things to do in the city of wind-catchers where elements as in water, fire, soil, and air are boldly represented in qanats (underground water supplies), fire temples, mud-brick houses, and wind-catchers (badgir).
It is one of the oldest cities in the world and only remained city made from adobe. Therefore, a must-see city or so called bride of the desert is waiting for you in the flatness of central Iran, wedged between the Dasht-e Kavir and the Dasht-e Lut, two famous barren deserts of Iran.
Historic textures of Yazd’s alleyways enchant and push visitors into a maze of mud-break houses, teahouses with exquisite tilework, and forest of wind-catchers.
Here you can have a look at some of the intriguing attractions in the city.
Dowlat Abad Garden
Home to the tallest wind-catcher of the world with over 30 meters height, this lush oasis of peace is one of the oldest gardens in the city.
The longest qanat of Iran, Mehriz with over 65 kilometers long, waters grape and pomegranate trees of the garden and ends at here.
Due to the residential-governmental use of the garden back in the old days, now you can enjoy the perfect Iranian architecture at its finest in its palace and have a tea with qotab at its teahouse.
Check the wind-catcher to see how ancient Iranians use a structure to refresh a house without consuming energy.
If you are interested in Iranian sweets, read our blog.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/sBZVqnNMUdB2
Jame Mosque
The outstanding 14th-century building is the grand main mosque of the city that you should visit during the daylight or after the dusk to admire its beauty and peace under projected blue light.
Although it is not free for foreign tourists, it is worthy of spending about three dollars to visit around the courtyard, mihrab, and dome or take a selfie at its magnificent entrance.
Even if you have visited many mosques during your trip to Iran, this one is so charming that is worth a visit at Yazd’s downtown.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/gg61WhyMRv42
Amir Chakhmagh Complex
The three-tiered alluring structure, which looks like a mosque, looms over a square with a long fountain.
There are shops on both side of the square, and through the building where you can buy the best traditional sweets and candies from Haj Khalifeh Rahbar on the left corner of the main street and the square.
Impressive high and fully decorated building with colored tile and ceramics is a hang-out place for Yazdis and a focal tourist point of the city.
While you are at the Amir Chakhmagh Sq., do not miss visiting Saheb- Zaman Zurkhaneh on the northern side of the square.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ixvWP7FSuSm
Zoroastrian Fire Temple
Yazd is the home of Zoroastrianism in Iran with several religious sites.
Yazd Atash Behram (fire temple), built in 1934, is one of the nine highest grade fire temples around the world where Zoroastrians have worshiped Ahura Mazda since many years ago.
Constructed in the Sasanian Empire, the temple has enshrined the victorious fire, dating back to 470 AD, and held a collection of Zoroastrian crafts and costumes.
You can pay the entrance fee and visit the museum as well as the holy fire. We would suggest afternoon for visiting when the incredible edifice and its yard is not crowded and you can chillingly walk through the site.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/kowC2atex3U2
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