Must-Sees
Towers of Silence
Inasmuch as the Zoroastrian refuse to bury or cremate their dead bodies, due to the fact that they believe earth and fire are two sacred elements and they will be defiled by the impurities of human body, the corpses were transferred to the places away from residential areas called “Dakhme” or Tower of Silence to be consumed by scavenging animals.
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Dowlatabad Garden
As one of the 9 gardens listed among world heritage sites under the common title of Persian Garden, built upon the order of Karim Khan Zand in the mid-18th century, the garden is mainly a group of mansions surrounded by the orchards of pomegranates, grapes, and flowers. The tallest windcatcher, i.e. badgir, in Iran, 34-meter tall, is in this superb garden.
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Amir Chaqmaq Complex
Famous for its spectacular façade, the complex is composed of bazaar, tekyeh (a mourning venue), mosque, cistern, zurkhaneh, i.e. traditional gym, and local sweet shops. The major highlight in this square is the 3-story facade which has been the portal to the Hosseinieh (a place for holding mourning ceremony for Imam Hossein, the 3rd Shiite Imam). With its three arches and two tall minarets, the structure shines with an orange light when sunset arrives.
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Jame Mosque
As one of the most admirable and magnificent mosques in Iran and perhaps the world, built in the 14th century, Jame Mosque, with its huge portal and two lofty enthralling minarets, overlooks the Old City. Passing through the portal, the prayers and visitors are hosted by the main courtyard and the elaborately decorated praying hall.
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Yazd Fire Temple
A major Zoroastrian FireTemple, or”Atashkade”, meaning the House of Fire, where the ever-burning sacred fire is preserved, is in the center of a garden the still-burning fire of which is believed to have been lit non-stop for more than 500 years. This ancient fire is kept in a chamber away from sunlight around which some rooms have been dedicated to praying.
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Old City
An exotic authentic Middle Eastern experience never gets complete if the Old City of Yazd, as one of the oldest cities in the world and the largest urban settlements built completely out of adobe with narrow and labyrinthine alleys, is not visited. Alexander Prison and Boq-e Davazdah Imam (Shrine of Twelve Imam) are also within the walking distance.
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Chak Chak
A village in Rabatat rural district, located near the city of Ardakan, Chak Chak serves as a pilgrimage site for the Zoroastrian. Each year, from June 14-18 many thousands of Zoroastrians from Iran, India and other countries flock to the fire temple where the second daughter of Yazdegerd III, the last pre-Islamic Persian king who was fleeing from Arabs in 637 CE took shelter in.
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Meybod
70 km away from the city of Yazd, a desert city with mud-brick architecture, Meybod is more than 1800 years old enjoying some historical monuments and significant intangible heritage. Narin Ghaleh, a Sassanian-era castle, the beautiful pigeon tower, huge Safavid caravansary and local handicrafts are to be added to the city attractions, too.
