Yazd Travel Guide

Iran, a country steeped in ancient history and rich cultural heritage, offers a tapestry of experiences for the intrepid traveller. Among its numerous cities, Yazd stands out as a gem in the heart of the country, showcasing the timeless beauty of Persian architecture and the resilience of its people.

Yazd, located in central Iran, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, recognized by UNESCO for its winding lanes, mud-brick houses, and captivating desert surroundings. The city is a living testimony to the ingenious use of limited resources in the harsh desert environment and is renowned for its adaptive desert architecture, including its iconic windcatchers or 'badgirs' that create natural ventilation in buildings.

The ancient city is also known for its labyrinthine old town, which is best explored on foot. Visitors can marvel at the Jameh Mosque of Yazd, with its magnificent tiled entrance portal, and the Amir Chakhmaq Complex, a prominent structure featuring a mosque, a caravanserai, and a bathhouse. The city's skyline is punctuated by the silhouettes of minarets and the domes of countless mosques and shrines, each telling a story of the city's historical significance.

Yazd is the heart of Zoroastrian culture in Iran, with the Atash Behram (Fire Temple) housing a flame that is said to have been burning since about 470 AD. The Towers of Silence on the outskirts of the city are another testament to the Zoroastrian legacy, where the dead were once left to the elements and scavenging birds, in line with ancient practices.

Apart from its rich cultural sites, Yazd offers a variety of traditional workshops where visitors can observe the crafting of silk weaving, ceramics, and confectionery. Yazd is particularly famous for its sweets, including the delicate 'pashmak' (Persian cotton candy) and 'baghlava', which travelers can sample in the city's bustling bazaars.