Here lies the capital of the Safavid empire, in the country's centre. Magnificent monuments from the 16th and 18th centuries, arranged like a huge garden. The stop not to miss in order to discover all Iran's splendour.

Middle East

It needs to be said: Iran is not the first tourist destination that springs to mind when travellers are planning their next trip. The events of the last few decades have horribly tarnished the image of the country, to the extent of making it into a place which has been deserted by tourism. However, nothing but riches and wonders await those who have the courage to go beyond the clichés and the adverts. Along with the legendary hospitality of the Iranian people, is the thousand-year-old culture, which is both rich and precious, interior designs of unexpected beauty and archaeological heritage which will make any history enthusiasts interested in ruins tremble in anticipation. Iran is also a country that is half the size of Europe at the crossroads of Mediterranean and Asian civilisations, of inspirations, a subtle mix which will eternally surprise the traveller by its richness, its diversity and the beauty of the encounters which will be in no short supply during your journey! Put what other people say aside and leave, as others have, on the trail of the Persian empire, Persepolis, Shiraz or even Isfahan on a journey to Iran.

Iran

Isfahan

At one time Iran's capital, Shiraz is home to the tombs of the greatest Iranian poets, Hafez and Saadi, and was once famous for the wine formerly produced here from the well-known grape variety that today shares the city's name.

Shiraz

A metropolis with 15 million inhabitants, Tehran is an essential destination while on holiday in Iran. With the variety of its museums, its many bazaars, and its hiking trails that wind around the 3,900 metre tall Mount Tochal which overlooks the city, you won't get bored there.

Tehran

One of the largest towns in the country and the capital of the Azeris (a Turkish speaking ethnicity), the largest minority in Iran, Tabriz has been an important gateway town for centuries, at the crossroads of Turkey, the Caucasus and Iran.

Tabriz

A town which is a stopping place halfway between Tehran and Isfahan, Kashan was a holiday resort for Kings Safavid and Qajar between the 16th and 19th centuries. The city provides the most fine examples of architecture and gardens in Iran.

Kashan

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Asia

Oceania

Even though tourism remains hardly developed at all in this city in the centre of Iran, I found that Kashan offers magnificent monuments mostly dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. I was able to see the most beautiful examples of Iranian architecture from this era in Kashan, and in particular the noble houses of Tabatabaei, Boroujerdi, Abbasi and Ameri families.
In addition, the Friday mosques and bazaar, essential places in every Iranian town. I also admired the delicate architecture of the Agha Bozorg mosque, which has an inner courtyard below and offers an oasis of calm.
In addition to my city visit, I organised a one-day trip to the village ofAbyaneh, about sixty kilometres away. This charming little village at the bottom of a valley makes a leap into the past, with its inhabitants who still wear traditional local clothes.

A town which is a stopping place halfway between Tehran and <a href="/iran/holidays/places/12619-isfahan/">Isfahan</a>, Kashan was a holiday resort for Kings Safavid and Qajar between the 16th and 19th centuries. The city provides the most fine examples of architecture and gardens in Iran.

Kashan Vacations

Kashan: How to get there?

Kashan: When to go?

Kashan: For how long?

Kashan: What to see in the surroundings?