Photo | A Review of the Tourist Attractions of the Historic and Ancient City of Yazd

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Saed News: Yazd, one of the historical and cultural cities of Iran, is located in the center of the country. This city is known as the "City of Windcatchers" due to its unique architecture and historical texture, and it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Photo | A Review of the Tourist Attractions of the Historic and Ancient City of Yazd

According to the tourism service of Saed News, the sights of Yazd prove that this desert pearl holds immense national and historical value in Iran. The ancient city of Yazd has been one of the most important regions not only in modern times but also in ancient history, always playing a crucial role in promoting knowledge and culture in Iran. Truly, the title "Dar al-Elm" (House of Knowledge) is well-deserved by this beautiful city.

Today, Yazd has become a tourism destination for many Iranian and foreign beauty seekers. Tourists who travel to this city will encounter a world full of wonders, showcasing the most beautiful interaction between humans and the desert.

There are numerous tourist attractions in Yazd. Some of them include the Lari House, Karakal Desert, Fahraj Grand Mosque, Alexander's Prison, and Dowlatabad Garden. These mentioned sites are just a part of the city's attractions, and visiting all of them is recommended. Let's explore the most important tourist spots in Yazd.

Best Tourist Spots in Yazd:

  • Lari House

  • Karakal Desert

  • Fahraj Grand Mosque

  • Alexander's Prison

  • Dowlatabad Garden

  • Yazd Mountain Park

  • Rain Water Waves Park

Lari House – One of Yazd's Most Important Tourist Attractions

It is unlikely that you will visit Yazd and not be impressed by its unique architecture. The Lari House can be considered the highlight of the desert people’s architecture and one of Yazd's best sights. This beautiful mansion was built in 1243 and is now a museum and open to the public.

The Lari House, with a 1200-square-meter area, dozens of rooms, and windows, conveys a sense of authenticity and elegance of Iranian architecture to visitors. The green space in the open area of this house and the sunset setting with its pool evoke the past tranquility of this house for every visitor.

Like many other desert houses, Lari House is adorned with windcatchers that would mitigate the heat of late spring and summer. The overall design of the house is such that it absorbs minimal sunlight. Interestingly, this design also ensures that the house retains as little heat as possible during cold seasons. Therefore, Lari House can be one of the best places to visit in Yazd in the summer for those seeking relief from the heat. The Lari House is located on Imam Khomeini Street, in the Fahadan neighborhood.

Karakal Desert

The Karakal Desert is more than just a recreational area; it is also a valuable tourist attraction. This region is the habitat for a rare species of wildcats called the Caracal. If you're lucky during your visit, you might spot this fascinating cat.

In this desert, you can engage in activities such as camel riding, motorcycling, safari, and stargazing. To enjoy these experiences, you simply need to visit the village of Sadeqabad, 15 kilometers from Bafq, Yazd.

Fahraj Grand Mosque

Would you like to visit one of the oldest tourist attractions in Yazd that is still in use? The Fahraj Grand Mosque is a destination that will lead you to the site you’re looking for. Built during the Sassanid period, this mosque was later converted for use as a place of worship. This ancient structure, with a blend of traditional Iranian-Islamic architecture, has a unique ambiance.

To reach this mosque, you need to travel from Yazd to Bafq, heading towards the village of Fahraj. The minarets of this mosque can be seen from most parts of Fahraj.

Alexander's Prison or Ziya'ieh School – Mysterious Tourist Spot in Yazd

One of Yazd's intriguing tourist spots is Alexander's Prison, also known as Ziya'ieh School. According to stories, this historic structure was once a prison built by Alexander the Great. Some consider it the oldest building in the city of Yazd.

The design of Alexander’s Prison allowed it to stand strong after centuries. The overall design of the building is magnificent, and its exterior and interior are captivating. This structure later changed its function and became a school, which is why some now refer to it as Ziya'ieh School. To visit this beautiful building, you can go to Imam Street in the Fahadan neighborhood of Yazd.

Dowlatabad Garden

Dowlatabad Garden is one of Yazd's most special tourist attractions. One reason for its uniqueness is that it houses the tallest windcatcher in the world. Additionally, it is one of the nine Iranian gardens registered as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

This beautiful and stunning garden is located where many historical gardens once stood, so it can be considered one of the oldest gardens in Iran and the world. Apart from the very tall windcatcher, the garden's symmetrical structure, diverse plants, and traditional irrigation system are among its other attractions. To visit the garden, go to Shahid Rajai Street, the Chahar Menar neighborhood, and Ferdowsi Alley.

Recreational Spots in Yazd

While traveling to Yazd, visiting the historical sites is essential; however, all of Yazd's recreational spots also count as tourist attractions.

Yazd Mountain Park is one of the best recreational spots in the city, offering amenities such as an artificial lake, camping areas, an amusement park, and gazebos. It is an ideal place for children to play and adults to relax. Yazd Mountain Park is located on the Yazd-Taft road.

Another unique recreational spot in Yazd is Rain Water Waves Park, known as the largest water park in eastern Iran. This water park includes a swimming pool, various water slides, dry sauna, steam sauna, jacuzzi, and a high-quality café-restaurant. It is located on Saheb al-Zaman Boulevard next to Hosseiniyeh Ali Asghar in Yazd.

Apart from the above, other recreational spots like cinemas, parks, amusement parks, billiard halls, and similar attractions are plentiful throughout Yazd.