Top places to visit in Yazd: The city of wind catchers

Yazd is the only UNESCO World Heritage City of Iran, full of marvelous attractions. One of the most religious and ancient cities where two deserts of Iran meet. The city of wind catchers, fountains, and friendly neighborhoods. Most of the heritage buildings in Yazd are close to one another and you can visit them on foot without any need of taking a taxi or bus. If you are ready let us start getting familiar with Yazd and places to visit in Yazd to experience a different lifetime back in ancient Iran.

Towers of Silence

Towers of Silence (Zoroastrians’ Dakhmeh) are located far from the city center where old buildings and wind catchers get you familiar with Zoroastrians’ traditions. After exploring the disused Zoroastrian buildings at the foot of the hills, climb up the hill to the towers and you will be amazed by the atmosphere and tranquility of the towers. The towers are made out of adobe and although they are starkly simple, there is a solemn majesty about them. The history behind these towers is fascinating. In the Zoroastrian religion, the bodies of the dead were placed at the top of the towers for birds of prey to dispose them of. They believe in the sacredness of the earth, fire, water, and back in the old years, their dead bodies were not buried in the ground to prevent contamination. There is an interesting fact about this tradition which is the way the bodies were laid in circles; men in the outermost layer, women in between, and finally children in the center. By visiting this place, not only you will discover the secrets of this old monument, but will you have the whole town at your feet. And it is among the top places to visit in Yazd.
The nearest bus station to Zoroastrian’s Dakhmeh is the Sarv bus station. However, taking a taxi from this place is a better choice. If you have already decided to go by car, Find Isar Square in the southeast of Yazd. Zoroastrian’s Dakhmeh is on the boulevard that connects this square to Emam Hadi Blvd.

Opening hours: 8 am – 5 pm

The towers are made out of adobe and although they are starkly simple, there is a solemn majesty about them.

Old City

If you are into photography, you will love Old City! A calm and peaceful place to wander around which presents a photo opportunity at every turn and by no doubt one of the best places to visit in Yazd. You can walk around the houses and through alleyways for hours and not get tired. The narrow streets, the amazing color of the walls, and the structure of the buildings are all delightful. Muddy alleys, arches that connect walls and rooftops, and a historic atmosphere all give you a time travel feeling. The families live in the houses built inside the protecting walls, behind the richly decorated doors. There are many little shops, cafes, and museums that could be found by exploring the narrow streets of Old City. While exploring Yazd’s famous Old Town, stop by the Art House Café; a nice and lovely place for having drinks and meals with a spectacular view from the rooftop. For having a memorable day in the Old City, find a traditional bakery, and buy some fresh and tasty bread. Then sit in the park with its pomegranate surrounding trees, watch the kids playing hide and seek and get ready for the next destination.

Opening hours: 24/7

The old city, Yazd

Jameh Mosque of Yazd

Jameh Mosque is the main mosque in Yazd with nice architecture which is another example of Islamic art and architecture. The mosque used to be a fire temple back in the Sasanid dynasty. The tall minarets, reaching high above the Old City, are the highest minarets in Iran that bring their beautiful tiles up to the sky. A gorgeous and overwhelming facade locks up your imagination to be immersed in various shades of blue as if you found yourself in front of the gate of heaven. The beautiful exterior shines brighter when sparks of sunshine reflect the blue sky colored tiles. Spring and Autumn are the best seasons for visiting the breathtaking Jameh Mosque. This masterpiece is particularly stunning in the evening when it’s all lit up. The way that the light is provided on the dome and walls, make a spiritual and holy atmosphere at night. It’s like a jewel shining in the darkness of the night.
If you’re driving to the Jameh Mosque you can go either by Gole Sorkh or Imam Street but if you’re on foot get on Seyed Gole Sorkh Street and then Larde Keyvan.

Opening hours: 8 am – 9 pm

Top places to visit in Yazd: Jame Mosque

Dowlat Abad Garden

The structure of the building, the highest windward in the world, and a mesmerizing courtyard are all reasons to visit Dowlat Abad Garden. This historic monument has been registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the masterpieces of traditional gardens in Iran. As was mentioned before, the highest windward in the world is inside a magnificent house with colorful windows, beautiful terraces, doors, and water passages. It is better to visit the house in the daytime so the glory of the stained glass windows can be well appreciated. Inside of the windward is a good and cool spot for photography! conditioning air without using expensive energy, creating natural ventilation back in the Afsharid era is so impressive. It’s not only windward, but the water storage (Ab Anbar) is also another impressive creation located at the corner of the garden. The garden itself adds to its serenity; by looking at the garden and the entrance, you’ll see the long pool in the shade of the tall cypress trees leading you to the main entrance of the building. On the way to the building, there are a lot of beautiful pomegranate and grape trees, making your journey through time more delightful.

Find Dowlat Abad Boulevard that attaches Enghelab Street and Motahari Street. Dowlat Abad Garden Postal is located in the eastern direction in the middle of the boulevard.

Opening hours: 7 am – 11 pm

Dolat Abad Garden is among the top places to visit in Yazd.

Zoroastrian Fire Temple

Zoroastrian is one of the oldest religions in the world. The ceremonies and the history of Zoroastrians are unique and the Fire Temple is still being used by them for their prayers. It is really interesting to see a specific holy place for Zoroastrians. The building resembles Achaemenid architecture itself. A place for Zoroastrians to practice their religion by the eternal fire! What makes this monument so special is the fact that a fire that was once made, is still burning since 1500 years ago. Fire is a holy element in the Zoroastrian religion and there are some chosen people in their own religion who are called whisperers; these whisperers are supposed to take care of the fire and don’t let it lose its power.
When you arrive at the temple, you will be welcomed by the Fardvahar statue (a winged deity of the Ahura Mazda). The courtyard at the entrance is beautiful and relaxing with many seats and trees and a nice and spiritual atmosphere inside and out. A lovely pool in the middle of the yard proves the fact that every ancient fire temple had to be built near a pool. By visiting the Zoroastrian Fire Temple not only you can learn about the ancient history of Iran and the Achaemenid Empire, but also you can understand their importance.
Find Basij Blvd. and Kashani Rd. intersection as your landmark. Turn to Kashani Rd. and then turn to the third street (Atashkade) on your left.

Opening hours: 7:30 am – 9:30 pm