11 Tourist Attractions in Ardestan, Isfahan
Ardestan, one of the cities in Isfahan Province, boasts numerous attractions. Situated in a hot and dry region, it serves as a perfect example of the art of desert living. Among its highlights are the Mon Qanat, a marvel of Iranian engineering; the Jameh Mosque of Ardestan, one of the oldest mosques in Iran; multiple water reservoirs; sunken courtyard houses; and historical tombs, all of which contribute to the city’s rich tourism appeal.
1.Jameh Mosque of Ardestan
The Jameh Mosque of Ardestan, adorned with clay domes amidst a lush courtyard, is one of Iran’s oldest mosques. This architectural masterpiece, constructed as a two-story structure, is recognized as the first two-story mosque in Islamic history, making it one of the most significant historical landmarks in the city. The mosque was originally a Zoroastrian fire temple or a Sasanian-era temple before being converted into a mosque after the advent of Islam in Iran.
Over time, the mosque suffered considerable damage, and the current structure is the result of the work of Master Mahmoud Esfahani during the Seljuk era, who rebuilt it in a four-iwan style, making it the second four-iwan mosque in the Islamic world.
The southern iwan, known as the “Sahib al-Zaman Iwan,” is one of the oldest parts of the mosque, featuring vaulted ceilings and brickwork under the dome. Other iwans include the northern iwan (Safā Iwan), the eastern iwan (Imam Hussein or Amir Iwan), and the western iwan (Imam Hassan Mojtaba or Hakim al-Molk Iwan). The Jameh Mosque was listed as a national heritage site of Iran in 1932. It continues to serve as a place of worship and is open to visitors.
2.Mon Qanat
The Mon Qanat is one of Ardestan’s most renowned and significant attractions and one of 11 qanats in Iran that were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. The Mon Qanat is extraordinary for its two-tiered structure, where water flows on two separate levels without intermixing. Additionally, the system allows water to be redirected from one qanat to another in case of blockages. With a length of 3.5 to 4 kilometers and 30 access shafts, the Mon Qanat is a marvel of pre-Islamic Iranian engineering, with its origins traced back to the Sasanian era.
3.Kahiaz Protected Area
The Kahiaz Protected Area, located near Ardestan, was designated as a no-hunting zone in 2002 and became a protected area in 2010. Spanning 92,000 hectares, it features plains, mountains, and rolling hills. Wildlife in the region includes ibex, wild sheep, gazelle, fox, sand cat, houbara bustard, wolf, hyena, leopard, caracal, and wildcat. Its plant life comprises mountain almond, fig, tamarisk, wormwood, and calligonum.
In addition to its diverse flora and fauna, the area is known for its springs, fields, and gardens, which are major tourist draws. Spring is the best time to visit, as the weather is pleasant, and visitors can enjoy camping in nature.
4.Khosrow Mosque
The Khosrow Mosque, a historical three-story structure, was registered as a national heritage site of Iran in December 1985. Its beautiful dome rests on a square base that transitions into eight arches. Although the mosque has suffered significant damage over time, restoration efforts have been made. To the north of the mosque lies a water reservoir built during the Qajar era, which provided both drinking water and ablution facilities for worshippers.
5.Tomb of Amir Owais
The Ardestan Cemetery in the Mahal neighborhood houses the tomb of Amir Owais, a commander of Shah Ismail I of the Safavid dynasty. He died in 920 AH at the age of 30 during a battle and was buried here. Two marble gravestones, one vertical and one horizontal, mark his resting place. Known as the “White Stone” due to their radiant, silvery appearance under the sunlight, the gravestones bear intricate floral designs and verses by Saadi and Hafez. This tomb is considered a masterpiece of the Safavid era.
6.Aruna Qanat
Aruna Qanat is one of the qanats in Ardestan, listed as a national heritage site in 2003. Historical evidence suggests that it dates back over 2,500 years. Experts in qanat engineering believe that even during seven consecutive years of drought, the water of Aruna Qanat will not dry up—a testament to the Iranian architectural and engineering prowess in building qanats in arid regions.
It is said that when Khwaja Nasir al-Din Tusi entered Ardestan with Hulagu Khan, he resolved disputes among locals regarding the distribution of qanat water by dividing it into 20.5 shares. Interestingly, the water division stones, known as Saroje stones, remain intact after 500 years. These stones are made from a mixture of lime, sand, goat hair, fat, and fine desert sand, which renders them resistant to the effects of summer heat and winter cold.
7.Tomb of Pir Morteza
The Tomb of Pir Morteza, registered as a national heritage site in 2005 under number 12119, is located in the Fahreh neighborhood. The tomb was originally built as a khanqah (Sufi retreat) and school by Pir Morteza Ali Ardestani, where he was later buried. The historical structure features a high, beautiful dome under which lie the graves of Pir Morteza Ali Ardestani (son of Amir Shams al-Din Mohammad Ardestani, a companion of Shah Mansur), his wife, and the renowned 9th-century Sufi Pir Jamali Ardestani.
The wooden enclosure around these graves contains seven poetic verses and notes the year 1039 AH as the date of the gravestones and enclosure’s construction.
Pir Morteza was one of the mystics of the Ilkhanid era, while the current structure dates back to the Safavid period. The small, square tomb has two simple iwans (porches) on the south and north sides, with the main entrance located in the southern iwan.
8.Imam Hasan Mojtaba Mosque
The Imam Hasan Mojtaba Mosque is another historical monument in Ardestan, built in 547 AH during the Seljuk era. According to books like Tazkerat al-A’imma by Allama Majlisi and Khaza’in by Mulla Ahmad Naraghi, Imam Hasan (AS) once prayed in this mosque, which is why it carries his name.
Today, only the minaret of the mosque remains, yet its grandeur speaks to the mosque’s original magnificence. This minaret can be seen at Imam Hasan Square, adjacent to a shrine and water reservoir. It was registered as a national heritage site on June 18, 1936.
9.Sefid Dardasht Mosque
The Sefid Dardasht Mosque, located in the Fahreh neighborhood, predates the Jameh Mosque of Ardestan. Unfortunately, during the construction of a nearby high school several years ago, parts of the mosque were demolished and incorporated into the school.
10.Amirans’ House
The Historical House of the Amirans is located in the Rahmian neighborhood of Ardestan. Dating back to the Zand dynasty, it was registered as a national heritage site in 2005. Reports indicate that the house is privately owned, and since restoration by the Ardestan Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Department requires the owner’s consent, the house remains in poor condition.
11.Ardestan Water Reservoirs
Haji Hassan Water Reservoir: Built by Haji Hassan Ardestani, this reservoir is located opposite the Jameh Mosque.
Water Reservoir Opposite Imamzadeh Esmaeil: Although the original builder is unknown, it was repaired by Haji Motamed al-Haram Nisiyani.
Water Reservoir at Pir Morteza Square: Located in the square named after Pir Morteza Ali. Its construction date and builder remain unknown.
Khaaki Mosque Water Reservoir: Constructed in 1332 AH by Molla Gholam Ali Ardestani.
Haji Mo’dal al-Soltan Water Reservoir: Situated opposite Khosrow Mosque, built by Haji Mo’dal al-Soltan Ardestani.
Haji Mirrahim Water Reservoir: Built by Haji Mirrahim Ardestani.
Bazaar Square Water Reservoir: Located in the Kaboudan neighborhood, with no records of its builder.
Molla Ya’qub Water Reservoir: Built by Molla Ya’qub Ardestani in the Kaboudan neighborhood, near Kaboudan Mosque.
FAQs
What are the most famous attractions in Ardestan?
The Qanat of Moon, Jameh Mosque of Ardestan, various water reservoirs, and more.
What is the nickname of the Jameh Mosque of Ardestan?
It is known as the second four-iwan mosque in the Islamic world.
What is unique about the Qanat of Moon?
Its extraordinary feature is that water flows in two stacked levels without the upper layer seeping into the lower one.
Which Safavid commander’s tomb is located in Ardestan?
Amir Oveis.
