Yazd is a city in central Iran, located in the middle of the country’s desert region. It’s known for its mud-brick architecture, Zoroastrian fire temples and centuries-old bazaars. The city is also home to the Tower of Silence, a location where the Zoroastrians used to leave their dead. With its unique culture, history, and architecture, Yazd is a must-see destination in Iran. Here are the top 20 places to see in Yazd.
1. Dowlatabad Garden: This Persian garden is one of the most beautiful places in Yazd. It was constructed in the 18th century and is surrounded by high walls with two watchtowers. The garden is filled with tall cypress trees, fruit trees, and a variety of flowers. There is also a pavilion in the center of the garden, which is a great place to relax and take in the beauty of the surroundings.
2. Amir Chakhmaq Complex: This complex is one of the most iconic landmarks in Yazd. It consists of a mosque, a tekyeh, a caravanserai, and a bathhouse. The complex is famous for its symmetrical façade, which is decorated with three stories of colorful arches.
3. Zoroastrian Fire Temple: This temple is one of the most important religious sites in Yazd. It is dedicated to the Zoroastrian religion and houses a fire that has been burning for over 1,500 years. The temple is a great place to learn about the Zoroastrian faith and its traditions.
4. Fahadan Historic District: This district is one of the oldest parts of Yazd and is home to some of the city’s most significant historical sites. Here you will find the Dowlatabad Garden, the Amir Chakhmaq Complex, and the Zoroastrian Fire Temple. The district is also filled with traditional houses, mosques, and bazaars.
5. Jameh Mosque of Yazd: This mosque is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the region. It was built in the 12th century and is decorated with intricate tilework and impressive minarets. The mosque is an important religious site and is a great place to learn about Islamic architecture.
6. Dolat Abad Wind Tower: This wind tower is the symbol of Yazd and one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The tower is made of mud-bricks and is built to catch the wind and cool the interior of the house. It is a great example of traditional Persian architecture.
7. Yazd Water Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history of water in the region. It showcases a variety of artifacts and documents related to the water systems in Yazd, including qanats, wind towers, and traditional irrigation systems.
8. Yazd Grand Bazaar: This bazaar is one of the oldest in Iran and is filled with traditional shops and stalls. Here you can find everything from spices and sweets to clothing and carpets. It’s a great place to explore and buy some souvenirs.
9. Zoroastrian Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the Zoroastrian religion. It houses a variety of artifacts and documents related to the faith, including religious texts, ritual objects, and paintings.
10. Yazd Atash Behram: This is the holiest fire temple in the Zoroastrian faith and is located in Yazd. It was built in the 12th century and houses a fire that has been burning for over 1,500 years. The temple is a great place to learn about the Zoroastrian faith and its traditions.
11. Yazd Old City: This is the oldest part of Yazd and is home to many of the city’s most important historical sites. The streets are filled with traditional mud-brick houses, mosques, and bazaars. It’s a great place to explore and get a glimpse of traditional Persian life.
12. Yazd Jame Mosque: This is one of the oldest mosques in Yazd and is located in the old city. It was built in the 12th century and is decorated with intricate tilework and impressive minarets. The mosque is an important religious site and is a great place to learn about Islamic architecture.
13. Yazd Zoroastrian Tower of Silence: This tower is one of the most important religious sites in Yazd. It was used by the Zoroastrians to leave their dead and is a great place to learn about the faith and its traditions.
14. Yazd Friday Mosque: This is the largest mosque in Yazd and is located in the old city. It was built in the 12th century and is decorated with intricate tilework and impressive minarets. The mosque is an important religious site and is a great place to learn about Islamic architecture.
15. Yazd Dowlatabad Garden: This Persian garden is one of the most beautiful places in Yazd. It was constructed in the 18th century and is surrounded by high walls with two watchtowers. The garden is filled with tall cypress trees, fruit trees, and a variety of flowers. There is also a pavilion in the center of the garden, which is a great place to relax and take in the beauty of the surroundings.
16. Yazd Zoroastrian Fire Temple: This temple is one of the most important religious sites in Yazd. It is dedicated to the Zoroastrian religion and houses a fire that has been burning for over 1,500 years. The temple is a great place to learn about the Zoroastrian faith and its traditions.
17. Yazd Atashkadeh: This is one of the oldest fire temples in Iran and is located in Yazd. It was built in the 12th century and houses a fire that has been burning for over 1,500 years. The temple is a great place to learn about the Zoroastrian faith and its traditions.
18. Yazd Zoroastrian Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the Zoroastrian religion. It houses a variety of artifacts and documents related to the faith, including religious texts, ritual objects, and paintings.
19. Yazd Grand Bazaar: This bazaar is one of the oldest in Iran and is filled with traditional shops and stalls. Here you can find everything from spices and sweets to clothing and carpets. It’s a great place to explore and buy some souvenirs.
20. Yazd Old City: This is the oldest part of Yazd and is home to many of the city’s most important historical sites. The streets are filled with traditional mud-brick houses, mosques, and bazaars. It’s a great place to explore and get a glimpse of traditional Persian life.