Kerman

Kerman

Located in the southeastern part of Iran on the edge of the Lut Desert, and is the only UNESCO natural site of Iran. Kerman is surrounded by mountains and desert so the city offers many natural attractions such as thermal and mineral springs, lakes, and special desert features. In addition to all these natural wonders, Kerman is famous for its long history and cultural heritage dating back to the third century AD. Kerman is a city famous for its pistachios, cumin, carpet, copper, coal, and caravanserai. Staying overnight in desert camps and sleeping under the full-star sky of desert with the view of the milky-way galaxy could become your unforgettable image of Kerman.

Some reasons that have made Kerman one of the must-see cities of Iran:

• It is one of the oldest civilization centers in Iran
• Recorded at times as the hottest place on earth
• Having 2,000 year old ancient abandoned citadels such as Bam and Rayen
• It is the largest producer of Persian handmade carpets and Pistachios
• It has the most Iran heritage sites registered in UNESCO’s list
• And the rocky village of Meymand which is one of the four oldest surviving villages in Iran

Kerman Top Attractions

Ganj-Ali Khan Complex: This complex belongs to the Safavid era. It covers an area of 11000 square meters. Ganjali khan complex is composed of different historical buildings such as a school, a square, a caravanserai, a public bath, a water reservoir, a mosque, a tea house and a bazaar. In recent years the bath has became an anthropology museum with unique work of Persian architecture.

Jabaliyeh Dome: It is known locally as Gonbad-e Jabaliyeh. Although the architectural elements of the dome have been inspired from the Sassanid period it is not clear when it was built. The amazing thing is that it is made of stone rather than usual brick. Now it houses a gravestone museum.

Bazaar: Vakil Bazaar of Kerman has many historical buildings date back to the 17^th century. Persian Architecture of the Bazaars in Iran has been a great attraction for foreign tourists. You can see the locals buying lots of thing such as spices or copper pots which are two souvenirs of Kerman.

Moayedi Ice-House: This ice-house, Yakhchal in Persian, is an adobe structure that was built in 17^th century for storing ice. It has a beautiful cone shape. There are several small-gardens around the Moayedi ice-house which were filled with water in winters, then after the water iced, the ices lead to the ice-house to use in summer times.

Friday Mosque: Kerman Fridey mosque or Jame mosque is a historical monument of the 14^th century. It is famous for its excellent Mihrab with mosaic and tile decorations.

Moshtari-ye-Moshtaq Ali Shah: The mausoleum of a famous Sufi, named Moshtaq Ali Shah, during Qajar period. It has beautiful stuccowork with blue and white tiled roof.

Gandom Beryan: Gandom Beryan is the hottest place in the whole world. Its temperature can reach up to 70 °C (158 ºF) on summer days. Under such conditions, no living organism can survive even bacteria. Just during the cold seasons you are able to stay here for hours and look at fantastic desert features such as sandy castles and sand dunes.

Shazdeh Garden: Prince garden locally known as Shazdeh garden is the 19^th century summer residence of the Qajar princes located in the city of Mahan. This Persian garden has a charming collection of pools with fountains leading to a glorious building.

Shah Nematollah-e Vali Shrine: Mausoleum of the famous Sufi leader, poet and Dervish, Shah Nematollah-e Vali, which is located in the city of Mahan near the Prince garden. This historical complex was built in 15^th century in the honor of this great man.

Bam Citadel: This UNESCO heritage site is the largest clay town of the world.  Arg-e Bam is located in the city of Bam which is 200 km away from Kerman. It belongs to the Sassanid period and it has been an important city for being at the crossroads of important trade routes and productions of silk and cotton. The citadel is still worth visiting after the Bam great earthquake in 2003.

Rayen Citadel: This historical site is a medieval fortified town made of Mud. It covers a 20,000 m² area and it’s located in the city of Rayen which is 100 km away from Kerman. It is believed that Rayen Citadel dates back to the Sassanid era. Citadel, Arg in Persian, consists of the public quarter and the aristocratic zone. In Arg-e Rayen parts such as Zoorkhaneh, mosque, bazaar and stable still can be seen.

Shahdad Desert: Located in Lut desert, Shahdad offers fantastic features and adventurous activities of desert areas. Also throughout Shahdad monuments related to the fourth millennium BC to the Islamic and contemporary periods such as cemeteries, forts and caravanserais can be observed. But the most unique asset of Shahdad desert is Yardangs. Camps in Shahdad are ready to host travelers.