Yazd city, the capital of Yazd province, is a small city. Since 2017, the historical city of Yazd is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is nicknamed the “City of Wind-catchers” (Shahr-e Badgir-Ha). This city was originally an oasis at the crossroads of the Aryan trade roads, and one that became renowned as the center for the regions silk and wool fabrics. The city sits atop the Iranian land between 1203 and 1238 meters above sea-level. This city is also one of the largest cities built almost entirely out of adobe. Yazd’s heritage as a center of Zoroastrianism is also important. The Majority of people in this city is Muslims. There is also a sizable population of Zoroastrians in the city. Presently, Zoroastrians make up a significant minority of the population, around 20,000 – 40,000 or 5 to 10%.
Yazd on Map
History
This city is among the most important centers of Persian architecture. Because of its climate, it has one of the largest networks of Qanats in the world, and Yazdi qanat makers are considered the most skilled in Iran. To deal with the extremely hot summers, many old buildings in this city have magnificent wind towers (wind-catchers or Badgirs), and large underground areas. The city is also home to prime examples of Yakhchals, which were used to store ice retrieved from glaciers in the nearby mountains. There is a Tower of Silence on the Yazd hillsides, and the city itself has an Atashkadeh (Fire Temple) which holds a fire that has been kept alight continuously since the year 470 of the Solar Hijri Calender.
The city’s most prominent feature is its particular desert architecture. Pylons, minarets and domes are the most obvious architecture aspect of the city. In this architecture, the wind-catchers were used to capture wind and cool the building’s space.
The construction and architecture of this city is one of the most prominent architectural examples of hot and dry climates in the world. It’s fit with the climate and the cultural needs of the people of the region, beyond the special beauty of this architecture. In the center of each district, there is usually a bath, a Bazar, a water storage, a mosque, small workshops, and water stream, many of which still existing.
Tripp Plans
- 1st day: Step back in time as you explore the ancient UNESCO World Heritage city of Yazd, a desert town known for its distinct Persian architecture style, punctuated by mud-brick buildings, wind towers, domed ice-houses, and water reservoirs.
On the first day take in nature’s colorful creations at Dolat-Abad Garden, make a trip to Old Town, make a trip to Jame Mosque of Yazd, then explore the ancient world of Shish Badgiri Ab Anbar, Silence Tower, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Zoroastrian Fire Temple.
- 2nd day: Steep yourself in history at Sar-Yazd Fortress, take in the exciting artwork at Yazd Art House, steep yourself in history at Alexander’s Prison, see the interesting displays at Water Museum, then make a trip to Amir Chakhmagh, and finally get engrossed in the history at Museum of Zoroastrians History and Culture.
Top Hotels
| Name | Stars | Address | Tel |
| Parsian Safaiyeh | Five Star | Timsar Fallahi St., Abouzar Sq., Safayieh, Yazd | +98 35 3826 0210 |
| Dad | Four Star | No. 214, Dahom Farvardin, Yazd | +98 35 3622 9400 |
| Arg-e Jadid | Four Star | Shahidan Ashraf Blvd., Yazd | +98 35 3828 5000 |
| Fazeli | Three Star | Vaght-o Saat Sq., Jame Mosque St., Imam St., Yazd | +98 35 3620 8955 |
| Moshir al-Mamalek Garden | Three Star | Enghelab St., Moshir Blvd., Yazd | +98 35 3523 9760 |
Top Restaurants
- Silk Road: Middle Eastern, Persian, Vegetarian
- Café Fooka: Persian, Oversea, Vegetarian
- Talaryazd: Middle Eastern, Persian
- Marco-Polo Rooftop Restaurant: Indian, Middle Eastern, Persian
