Yazd is a city in central Iran and the
capital of the Yazd province. It is an
ancient city dating back to the
Sassanian Period (224-651 AD).
Get in
Yazd is located midway between Isfahan
and Kerman, 689 km (427 miles) south
east of Tehran.
Yazd is well connected to the rest of
the country by planes, trains and buses.
There are International flights to Dubai
and Damascus and daily flights to
Tehran.
Get around
Most places in the old town are within
easy walking distance from each other.
Otherwise taxis are inexpensive.
Motorcycle taxis are another fast and
cheap way to move around the city but
try to settle on a price beforehand.
Local buses are also available for
travelers.
See
- Masjid-e Jame (Friday Mosque), dating
back to the fourteenth century, is well
worth a visit. It is an example of
finest Persian mosaics and excellent
architecture. Its minarets are the
highest in the country. Admire it at
night when it is lit up.
- Atashkadeh is the Zoroastrian fire
temple. The fire on the inside has
supposedly been burning since 470 AD.
Entrance is free, though donations are
appreciated.
- Yazd Tower of silence (Zoroastrian's
Dakhmeh) - the name tower is misleading
as they consist of huge circular walls,
within those the dead were left to be
picked clean by the vultures. This is
done in accordance with Zoroastrian
belief. However, the towers are not in
use anymore and open to the public. A
quiet, serene place.
- Yazd Market Square's Clock
- The cistern of Fatemeh-ye-Golshan
- Amir Chakhmakh complex, a breathtaking
construction and a must-see. Visitors
can climb to the top.
- Amir Chakmakh mosque, not to be
confused with the complex of the same
name, but nearby and easily visited when
visiting the more famous complex.
- Yazd Water museum lots of interesting
information about the Canat water
distribution system, admission free, a
must-see
- Hazireh mosque
- water reservoir with its four badgirs
(wind towers)
- Khan-e-Lari, a historical house
- Alexanders prison, which was neither
built by Alexander the great nor a
prison, but a 15th-century domed school
which is quite an interesting sight with
a cafe in the 'prison room'. Often
guides Would tell you the deep well in
the middle of its courtyard was in fact
built by Alexander the Great and was
used as a dungeon but this seems
doubtful.
- Tomb of the 12 imamswhich dates back
to the early 11th century, has
inscriptions inside bear the names of
the twelve Shiite Imams, though none are
actually buried here. It is now badly
deteriorated.
- Madrasse-e-Kamalieh
- Bogeh-ye Seyed Rokamdin mosque
- Dowlat Abad Gardens with a building
with a beautiful large badgir.
Do
Walk around in the historic
neighborhoods and relax in the parks.
You can also hike up in the beautiful
mountains of Yazd and enjoy a
spectacular view of the city. If you are
the more social type, chill out in the
cafes and chat with local Iranians. Most
likely, they will be very interested in
talking with you.
Buy
The local bazaar is the way to go.
Iran's most famous snacks, nougat and
cashews are available. Yazd is very
famous in Iran for its various
handicrafts, such as carpet, silk
fabrics, cashemers and also for its
pastries. If you are looking for Persian
carpets at reasonable prices, there are
many Persian carpets to choose from at
the bazaar.
Eat
Tourists say old-fashioned Persian
Restaurants are the best way to go if
you want a friendlier and more cultural
atmosphere. Many restaurants serve the
standard Iranian kebabas. There are a
few international restaurants in Yazd
which serve Italian, Indian, Arabian and
Mexican food.
The traditional restaurant and tea house
of Kohan Hotel serves various Iranian
traditional dishes such as fessenjun,
gheime as well as some European and
Indian dishes. It has a nice atmosphere
and is located near the Alexander
Prison.
Drink
Persian tea is almost available anywhere
in Yazd. Juice vendors sell freshly
squeezed orange juice. you can also get
fresh pomegranite juice for about 10
cents (US) a cup.
Get out
Meymand — population 60 in summer, 130
in winter, continuously occupied for
more than 3,000 years
Kavir National Park. The magnificent
Iranian deserts embrace all those who
are interested in adventurous journey or
trekking across the intact beautiful
nature. The desert vividly signifies the
diverse and colourful features of the
Iranian terrain. The white vast salt
flats, the golden dunes as well as the
striking mounds in bright green, yellow
and red create a marvellous spectrum of
spectacular colours for day travellers
in the desert. Undoubtedly, the desert's
night does surpass all expectations and
further displays an spectacle of
appealing stars--appearing so temptingly
real and near.
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Yazd
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