Unusual & Offbeat Destinations in Khowrhesht, Qazvīn, Iran
1. Yazd Soorkh Tower
A unique mud-brick tower in Yazd, with a history dating back to the Zoroastrian era. It's built above an underground spring and is used for cooling purposes.
- Historical Significance: It is one of the oldest structures in Yazd, dating back to around 3,000 years.
- Unique Cooling System: The tower uses the underground water for natural air conditioning.
- Zoroastrian Connection: It was built by the Zoroastrians to store their holy water.
2. Jameh Mosque of Meybod
A beautiful and ancient mosque in Meybod, featuring a mix of Islamic and Sassanid architectural styles. It's known for its intricate tilework and stunning arches.
- Architectural Diversity: It showcases both Islamic and Sassanid architectural styles.
- Historical Significance: The mosque dates back to the 11th century.
- Tilework and Arches: The intricate tilework and arches are a sight to behold.
3. Naqsh-e Rostam Desert Castle
A desert castle located near the ancient site of Naqsh-e Rostam, featuring a unique combination of Persian and Islamic architectural styles.
- Architectural Fusion: It combines Persian and Islamic architectural elements.
- Desert Location: The castle is situated in the heart of the Iranian desert.
- Historical Significance: It was built during the Sassanid period, around the 3rd century AD.
4. Abyaneh Village
A picturesque village known for its red-roofed houses and traditional Qajar-era architecture. The village is also famous for its textiles and handicrafts.
- Traditional Architecture: The village showcases traditional Qajar-era architecture.
- Vibrant Textiles and Handicrafts: Abyaneh is renowned for its unique textiles and handcrafts.
- Red-Roofed Houses: The red-roofed houses of the village stand out amidst the greenery.
5. Shazdeh Garden
A stunning Persian garden located in Mahan, known for its symmetrical layout and beautiful water features. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: It is one of the nine Persian gardens in Iran that are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Symmetrical Layout: The garden's layout follows traditional Persian design principles.
- Water Features: The garden boasts a series of beautiful water features, including pools and fountains.
6. Rostam Cave
A massive limestone cave located in the heart of the Iranian desert, featuring intricate stalactites and stalagmites.
- Natural Beauty: The cave showcases stunning natural beauty with its stalactites and stalagmites.
- Desert Location: The cave is situated in the heart of the Iranian desert.
- Historical Significance: The cave has been used as a shelter for travelers since ancient times.
7. Meymand Rock Village
An ancient village carved into the mountainside, showcasing cave houses and tombs dating back to the Achaemenid period.
- Historical Significance: The village dates back to the Achaemenid period.
- Cave Houses and Tombs: The village features cave houses and tombs.
- Mountainside Location: The village is carved into the mountainside, providing a unique setting.
8. Meybod Caravanserai
A historic caravanserai located in Meybod, dating back to the Safavid era. It's an excellent example of traditional Persian architecture.
- Historical Significance: The caravanserai dates back to the Safavid era.
- Traditional Architecture: It showcases traditional Persian architecture.
- Location on Silk Road: The caravanserai was strategically located along the ancient Silk Road.
9. Kharanaq Village
An abandoned village with mud-brick structures and stunning desert landscapes, offering a glimpse into the past.
- Desert Landscapes: The village is surrounded by beautiful desert landscapes.
- Abandoned Mud-Brick Structures: The abandoned mud-brick structures offer a unique and atmospheric experience.
- Historical Significance: The village dates back to the Seljuk era, around the 12th century.
10. Chak Chak Temple
A beautiful and sacred Zoroastrian temple located on Mount Tochal, known for its intricate carvings and stunning views.
- Zoroastrian Significance: It is a significant pilgrimage site for Zoroastrians.
- Intricate Carvings: The temple features beautiful carvings depicting Zoroastrian mythology.
- Mountain Location: The temple is located on Mount Tochal, offering breathtaking views of the valley below.
11. Dasht-e Kavir Salt Lake
The largest salt desert in Iran, covering an area of around 50,000 square kilometers. It's a unique natural wonder, offering a surreal landscape.
- Natural Wonder: The salt desert is a unique and striking natural feature.
- Size: It covers an area of around 50,000 square kilometers.
- Surreal Landscape: The salt desert offers a surreal and otherworldly landscape.
12. Raviz Rostam Castle
A historical castle located near the city of Yazd, known for its unique design and strategic location.
- Historical Significance: The castle dates back to the Sassanid era.
- Unique Design: The castle features a unique design, combining Persian and Islamic architectural elements.
- Strategic Location: The castle was strategically located to control the desert routes.
13. Dowlatabad Garden
A beautiful Persian garden located in Yazd, known for its large windcatcher (badgir) and stunning tilework.
- Historical Significance: The garden dates back to the Safavid era.
- Large Windcatcher (Badgir): The garden features a large windcatcher, providing natural cooling.
- Stunning Tilework: The garden boasts beautiful tilework, showcasing traditional Persian designs.
14. Ardakan Jameh Mosque
A stunning mosque located in Ardakan, featuring a beautiful tilework and unique Persian architecture.
- Historical Significance: The mosque dates back to the Seljuk era.
- Beautiful Tilework: The mosque showcases beautiful tilework, depicting scenes from Islamic history.
- Unique Persian Architecture: The mosque features unique Persian architectural elements, such as the eye-catching minarets.
15. Moshtofeh Ice Cave
A fascinating ice cave located in the heart of the Iranian desert, featuring beautiful icicles and stalactites.
- Natural Wonder: The ice cave is a unique and striking natural feature.
- Desert Location: The ice cave is located in the heart of the Iranian desert, making it an unusual destination.
- Icicles and Stalactites: The cave features beautiful icicles and stalactites.