What to see in Yazd?
Yazd has many attractions that showcase its history, culture, and architecture. Here are some of the highlights:
Towers of SilenceMosque
These are circular structures on the outskirts of the city, where Zoroastrians used to place their dead for exposure to the sun and vultures. The practice was discontinued in the 1960s, but the towers remain as a testament to the Zoroastrian belief in the purity of the elements.
Zoroastrian Fire Temple
: This is a temple that houses a sacred fire that has been burning since 470 CE. The fire is one of the nine Atash Behrams, or the highest grade of fire in Zoroastrianism. The temple also displays some Zoroastrian artifacts and symbols.
Old City
This is the historic core of Yazd, where you can wander through the narrow alleys and admire the mud-brick buildings with distinctive badgirs. The old city also contains many mosques, bazaars, and caravanserais.
Jameh Mosque of Yazd
This is the grand mosque of Yazd, dating back to the 14th century. It is famous for its magnificent tile work, especially the blue-tiled entrance portal and the twin minarets that are the tallest in Iran. The mosque also features a stunning mihrab (prayer niche) and a marble pulpit.
Dowlat-Abad Garden
This is a Persian garden that was built in the 18th century by a local ruler. It is one of the nine UNESCO-listed Persian gardens in Iran. The garden is known for its lush vegetation, fountains, and pavilions. The most notable feature is the 33-meter-high windtower, which is the tallest in the world.
How to get to Yazd
Yazd is located 270 km southeast of Isfahan, and 690 km south of Tehran. You can reach Yazd by plane, train, bus, or car. Yazd has an international airport that connects it to major cities in Iran and some neighboring countries. Yazd is also on the railway line that links Tehran to Bandar Abbas, and has frequent trains to and from other cities. Yazd has a bus terminal that offers services to various destinations in Iran. You can also drive to Yazd by following the national highways that pass through the city.
When to visit Yazd
Yazd has a hot and dry climate, with very little rainfall. The best time to visit Yazd is in the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and pleasant. The summer (June to August) is very hot and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F). The winter (December to February) is cold and sometimes snowy, with temperatures dropping below 0°C (32°F).
What to eat in Yazd?
Yazd has a variety of dishes that reflect its local cuisine and culture. Some of the specialties of Yazd are:
- Ash-e Sholi : This is a thick soup made with barley, chickpeas, beans, lentils, spinach, herbs, and yogurt. It is served with bread and vinegar.
- Khoresh-e Gheimeh : This is a stew made with lamb, split peas, tomatoes, dried limes, and spices. It is served with rice and fried potatoes.
- Baghali Polo : This is a rice dish made with fava beans, dill, saffron, and butter. It is served with lamb shanks or chicken.
- Ghotab : This is a pastry filled with almonds, walnuts, cardamom, and sugar. It is deep-fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar.
- Pashmak : This is a type of cotton candy made with sugar, flour, oil, and rose water. It is fluffy and melts in your mouth.
What to buy in Yazd?
Yazd is known for its handicrafts, especially its textiles and carpets. Some of the things that you can buy in Yazd are:
Termeh : This is a handwoven cloth made with silk and wool. It has intricate patterns and colors, and is used for making clothes, bags, tablecloths, and curtains.
Zilu : This is a flat-weave carpet made with cotton. It has geometric designs and bright colors, and is used for covering floors, walls, and furniture.
Khatam : This is a type of marquetry made with wood, bone, metal, and shell. It has delicate and intricate patterns, and is used for decorating boxes, frames, trays, and jewelry.
Minakari : This is a type of enamel work made with metal and glass. It has colorful and floral designs, and is used for making dishes, vases, and ornaments.
Gaz : This is a type of nougat made with pistachios, almonds, honey, and egg whites. It is soft and chewy, and is wrapped in thin wafers.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article about Yazd, a city of history, culture, and architecture. Yazd is a place that will surely leave you with unforgettable memories. To discover all the attractions just check out the tour package or contact us for more information.