Rasht is a city in the north of Iran, about 15 miles (24 km) south of the Caspian Sea. It is the capital of Gilan province and the largest city on Iran’s Caspian coast. With a population of 679,995 in 2016, It is also the most populous city of northern Iran.
Rasht has a long and rich history that dates back to the 13th century. It was a major trade center between Iran, Russia, and Europe, and was known as the “Gate of Europe”. Rasht has witnessed many political and social changes and has played an important role in the cultural and economic development of Iran. In 2015, the city joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a creative city of gastronomy. Also, the city has several natural attractions worth visiting. We can find many varieties of foods and crafts in Rasht and Gilan Province.
There are several ways to reach Rasht : by airplane, by train, or by car. The International Airport of Rasht, called Sardar Jangal Airport, is the only airport in Gilan Province. This airport has several flights in a week to various cities in Iran. Unfortunately, the foreign and international flights of Rasht Airport are not active at the moment. A trip by airplane from Tehran to Rasht is one hour long.
The journey between Tehran and Rasht takes around 5 hours and 15 minutes by railroad. The train goes by Qazvin and snakes through the Alborz Mountains where passengers can see charming plains and mountains.
By car, there are two main routes: Qazvin-Rasht Road and Highway No.1. Qazvin-Rasht Road takes you to Rudbar, Manjil, and Rasht. It is 325 km from Rasht to Tehran. Highway No.1 starts from Tehran and ends on the Persian Gulf Highway along the path of Imamzadeh Hashem to Rasht.
Rasht has many historical and natural attractions that appeal to different tastes and interests. Some of the most popular places to visit in Rasht are:
Rasht Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest markets in Iran, dating back to the 13th century. It is a lively and colorful place where you can find a wide range of products, such as handicrafts, carpets, spices, fruits, vegetables, fish, and sweets. Rasht Bazaar is also a cultural hub, where you can see the traditional architecture, hear the local dialect, and taste the local dishes. Rasht Bazaar is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and you can enjoy some of the famous specialties of Rasht, such as mirza ghasemi, baghala ghatogh, fesenjan, and koloocheh (cookies).
Shahrdari Square is the main square of Rasht, located in the center of the city. It is a beautiful and spacious area, surrounded by historical buildings, such as the City Hall, the Municipality Museum, and the Grand Hotel. Shahrdari Square is also a popular spot for socializing, relaxing, and enjoying the fountain and the flower beds. Around the square, there are many cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can relax and have a snack. Shahrdari Square is especially lively at night when it is illuminated by colorful lights and music.
Mohtasham Garden is the oldest park in Rasht. It was built during the Qajar era by Akbar Khan Biglarbegi, a wealthy and influential person. The garden has a beautiful summer mansion called Kolah Farangi, which is a four-story building with an octagonal room on the top floor. The garden also has many old trees, a river, and a variety of statues made of wood. Mohtasham Garden is a popular place for relaxation and recreation for the people of Rasht.
Gilan Rural Heritage Museum is a museum that showcases the traditional architecture, culture, and lifestyle of the rural areas of Gilan Province in Iran. It is located in Saravan Forest Park, about 18 kilometers from Rasht, the capital city of Gilan. The museum covers an area of about 45 hectares and consists of 25 collections of rural houses, including 80 structures. The museum is the first eco-museum and the only open-air museum in Iran.
The museum is divided into nine sections, each representing a different village of Gilan with its own architectural style, material, and color. The villages are: Lahijan and Rudboneh (eastern plain), Rasht and Khomam (central plain), Talesh and Masouleh (western mountainous), Roudsar and Amlash (eastern mountainous), and Astara (coastal)1. The houses are reconstructed in their original form and location, using the same techniques and materials as the original ones4. The houses are furnished and decorated with the authentic objects and tools that were used by the rural people of Gilan.
Saqalaksar Lake is a beautiful artificial lake in the heart of the forest, 15 km south of Rasht. The lake is fed by the spring fountains of the region and has a surface area of 15 hectares. The lake is surrounded by green trees and mountains and attracts many visitors in all seasons. There are some facilities around the lake, such as pedal boats, a cafe, and a camping site. Saqalaksar Lake is a great place to enjoy nature and relax.
Rasht is famous for its cuisine, which is rich in flavors, herbs, and seafood. Rasht is the first city in Iran and the second in Asia to be registered as a creative city of gastronomy by UNESCO. Some of the most delicious dishes that you can try in Rasht are:
Mirza Ghasemi: A dish made of grilled eggplant, garlic, tomato, and eggs. It is usually served with bread and pickles.
Baghala Ghatogh: A stew made of beans, dill, garlic, and eggs. It is often served rice and salty fish.
Torshi Tareh: A sour and spicy soup made of herbs, garlic, eggs, and sour orange juice. It is a good appetizer and goes well with bread or rice.
Fesenjan: A sweet and sour stew made of chicken, walnut, and pomegranate paste. It is one of the most famous Iranian dishes and is served with rice.
Rasht is a city that will surprise you with its diversity and charm. Whenever you want to travel to Iran, put it on your bucket list.
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