The historic houses of Yazd are among the valuable structures that add a unique charm to the old fabric of the city and serve as a reminder of the traditional lifestyle of its people. Stay with Saed News to explore these remarkable architectural treasures.
The historic houses of Yazd are among the city’s most valuable and fascinating landmarks, adding a unique charm to its old urban fabric. These houses mostly belonged to merchants and prominent figures of the city. Yazd, with its distinct architectural style, is one of Iran’s most historic cities, attracting numerous tourists to this desert region in central Iran.
One of the unique features of Yazd’s historic houses is the windcatchers (badgirs) installed in them. Due to the city's hot climate, windcatchers were commonly used in the past to keep residential and non-residential buildings cool.
One of the most beautiful historic houses of Yazd, Kolahdouz House, is located in the old district near Amir Chakhmaq Square. This historic house now serves as the Yazd Water Museum, displaying various tools and equipment used for qanat excavation and water supply.
Built during the Qajar era (1266–1269 AH), the house belonged to Haj Seyed Ali Akbar Kolahdouz, a well-known merchant of Yazd. The Rahim Abad and Zarch qanats once passed through this house, and today, the Zarch qanat still flows beneath the building.
Located in the Fahadan neighborhood, this historic house, formerly known as Mehdi Malekzadeh House, has been transformed into the House of Art. Visitors come here to admire artwork and handicrafts.
The house dates back to the late Qajar period, and four generations of the Malekzadeh family lived in it. It was registered as a national heritage site in 2001 and underwent restoration in 2014. It also houses a pottery workshop and a handicrafts store.
Situated on Iranshahr Street, Mortaz House has become a hub for architecture students in recent years. In 1995, the Mortaz family donated it to the Yazd School of Architecture and Urban Planning, and it was officially listed as a national heritage site in 1998.
The Qajar-era house consists of two sections—exterior and interior, each with separate courtyards and entrances. Its windcatcher, located in the main courtyard, adds to the house’s charm. The house features traditional Iranian architectural elements, such as stucco decorations and mirror work.
Shafipour House, located in the Amir Chakhmaq district on Ghiam Street, is over 150 years old. Built by Mirza Shafi, this Qajar-era house has a central courtyard surrounded by rooms.
The house features distinctive orosi (wooden lattice) windows, enhancing its visual appeal. The property includes a main house and a smaller inner residence, making it unique among Yazd’s historic homes.
Located in Fahadan, Navab Vakil House was built during the Qajar era under the order of Mirza Seyed Mohammad Razavi, a prominent social activist and a representative in Iran’s third National Assembly. It was registered as a national heritage site in 2003.
The house consists of two sections—inner and outer quarters, which are connected both internally and externally, with separate entrances. Its grand hall, with a 10.5-meter-wide opening, is one of its most remarkable architectural features.
Lari House, now the Museum of Historical Documents, is another significant Qajar-era house in Fahadan. The Lari family, originally from Fars province, migrated to Yazd for trade about 270 years ago and built this house in 1867.
The mansion covers 1,700 square meters, with three courtyards, six main buildings, terraces, and a central entrance hall (hashti).
Tehrani House, now the Fahadan Museum Hotel, is Iran’s first museum-hotel and one of Yazd’s most beautiful historic homes. Built over 100 years ago by Sheikh Mehdi Arab, whose family later took the Tehrani surname, the house reflects Qajar-era architecture.
The rectangular courtyard, enclosed by two-story structures, contains a qanat (underground water canal), a cold storage cellar (sardab), a royal hall (shahneshin) with two dedicated windcatchers, and a vestibule (hashti). A private well once supplied water to the residence.
Yazd, Iran’s first adobe city, stands at the heart of the desert, preserving its authentic architecture through the ages. One of the most striking elements of Yazd’s historic houses is their windcatchers, which give the city a distinctive appearance.
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