kerman iran ، From Ganjali Khan Complex to the National Library

Kerman, the capital of Kerman Province, boasts a plethora of historical, natural, and cultural attractions that captivate every tourist. Situated at an altitude of 1,756 meters above sea level, Kerman ranks as Iran’s third highest provincial capital, making it relatively cooler than cities like Yazd, Shiraz, and Isfahan during the summer. To fully explore all the beauties and attractions of this city, one must spend several days here.

Ganjali Khan Complex

Ganjali Khan Complex is located in the old center of Kerman in a rectangular layout. Ganjali Khan, one of the governors appointed by Shah Abbas (the ruler of Kerman), played a significant role in the development of the city. This complex includes Ganjali Khan Square, Ganjali Khan Mosque, Ganjali Khan Bazaar, Ganjali Khan Bathhouse, Ganjali Khan Caravanserai, Ganjali Khan Water Reservoir, School, and Mint. The history of this complex dates back to the Safavid era and features remarkably beautiful architecture. Today, the museum of this complex has been transformed into an ethnographic museum, and its mint into a coin museum. Ganjali Khan Complex was registered on May 16, 1968, in the list of national monuments of Iran.

Address: Kerman Province, next to the Grand Bazaar of Kerman

Vakil Bath

Vakil Bath of Kerman was built in 1280 AH and features a blend of Zand and Qajar architectural styles. This magnificent building consists of two sections: the dressing room and the hot chamber. In 1369 AH, this bathhouse underwent renovation and is now converted into a traditional tea house where tourists can enjoy Kermani sweets, various beverages, and local cuisines.

Address: Kerman, within the alleys of Kerman Bazaar, after Ganjali Khan Bathhouse

Jebeliye Dome

Jebeliye Dome is the only historical stone structure in Kerman, dating back to the Sassanian era. Located in the eastern part of Kerman near Pardisan Park and the Sahab al-Amr and Seyyed Hossein Kerman cemeteries, this octagonal dome has withstood the test of time and remains intact.

Today, the interior of this complex has been transformed into the Kerman Stone Museum, allowing visitors to explore both the historical edifice and the museum exhibits. This structure was registered as a national monument of Iran on December 20, 1937, under number 296.

Address: Shahda Street, Eastern Kerman

Pardisan Qaem Forest

Pardisan Qaem Forest is situated in the Sahab al-Zaman mountains of Kerman. Entirely planted, it is considered Iran’s largest man-made forest. Families visit this forest for recreation and entertainment. Additionally, the mountains in this area provide an ideal location for climbers.

Address: Qaem Boulevard, Sahab al-Zaman Mountains, Kerman

Dokhtar Castle (Anahita Fire Temple)

Dokhtar Castle, also known as the ancient castle, is located on the eastern hills of Kerman. Dating back to pre-Islamic times, this structure is made solely of mud brick and clay. The castle was a place of worship for the ancient goddess Anahita.

Address: Enqelab Street, Eastern Kerman, next to Enqelab Park

Jameh Mosque of Kerman (Masjed-e Jameh-e Mozzafari)

The Jameh Mosque of Kerman, also known as the Mozzafari Jameh Mosque, is located within the Mozzafari Bazaar, Mozzafari Pedestrian Street, Shariati Street, and Moshtaq Square in Kerman. This mosque features four iwans, with its courtyard, iwan, and shabestan elevated. It was built during the reign of Amir Mobarez al-Din Mohammad Mozzafari, the founder of the Mozaffarid dynasty, with its construction date inscribed on the main entrance’s epigraph as 750 AH.

This mosque has undergone numerous renovations and restorations, including the restoration of the tilework in the main iwan during the reign of Vakil al-Molk and the tilework on the columns and arches inside the mosque, as well as the construction of the northern shabestan. This structure was registered as a national monument of Iran on February 12, 1937, under number 276.

Address: Next to Moshtaqiyeh Square (Shahda), Kerman

Fathabad Garden

The Bagh-e Amirat Beiglar Beigi, also known as Fathabad Garden, is renowned, with its history dating back to the Qajar era. Situated 25 kilometers from Kerman in the village of Akhtarabad, this garden is said to have served as the prototype for the Shazadeh Mahan Garden. A qanat passes through the center of this garden, with other notable features including the Four Seasons Mansions, the central mansion, and a tower and barouk. Fathabad Garden was registered as a national monument of Iran on January 31, 2003, under number 7284.

Address: Akhtarabad Village, 25 kilometers from Kerman

Simek Waterfalls

Simek Waterfalls, located 35 kilometers north of Kerman in the Koohpayeh village, boast 13 different waterfalls. The presence of a campsite in this area has contributed to its attraction to tourists. With its 13 waterfalls, Simek provides a suitable environment for climbers and rock climbers. If you plan to ascend these waterfalls, make sure you have sufficient skills and the necessary equipment.

Address: Koohpayeh Village, 35 kilometers north of Kerman

Kerman National Library

Constructed during the First Pahlavi era, the Kerman National Library is situated on Shahid Rajai Street, also known as Khorsid Street. This brick building, with a single floor, is located within a beautiful courtyard adorned with cypress trees, a water basin, and fountains, adding to its charm. The Kerman National Library was registered as a national monument of Iran on September 21, 1999, under number 2419.

Address: Park-e Riyazi, Shahid Rajai Street, Kerman

Mashtaqiyeh Dome (Sangonabad)

Mashtaqiyeh Dome, also known as the Three Domes, is located near the old cemetery outside the city walls of Kerman. Dating back to the Qajar period, initially serving as the tomb of Mirza Hossein Khan, the ancestor of Sayyids of Mir Hosseini Kermani, Mashtaq Ali Shah was buried here in the 13th century AH. Three domes have been constructed in the Mashtaqiyeh Shrine, each belonging to a specific tomb.

Address: 17 Shahrivar Street, Shahid Square (Mashtaq Square), Kerman

Moeidi Ice House

Moeidi Ice House is located on Abu Hamed Street in Kerman. In the past, the residents of this city ingeniously provided their water needs by constructing qanats, digging channels, and building reservoirs and ice houses using special tools and creativity. Qanats supplied water to reservoirs, and reservoirs, in turn, provided water to ice houses. The larger ice houses had their dedicated qanats. These ice houses served as the city’s refrigerators. Moeidi Ice House was registered as a national monument of Iran on October 24, 1999.

Address: Shahid Kamiyab (Abu Hamed) Street, Kerman

Museum of Contemporary Industrial Arts

The Museum of Contemporary Industrial Arts in Kerman displays works of renowned international artists. Half of the museum is dedicated to the works of Master Seyyed Ali Akbar Sanei, while the other half showcases the works of 83 Iranian contemporary artists and 16 foreign artists. The museum is located on Shariati Street, between Bagh-e Melli Square and Tahmasbabad Intersection.

Address: Shariati Street, between Bagh-e Melli Square and Tahmasbabad Intersection, Kerman

Sirch Ski Resort

Sirch Ski Resort is the largest ski resort in southeastern Iran, situated in Kerman. It is located on the old Kerman-Bam road, and visitors can access the resort after passing through the Sirch Tunnel.

Address: Sirch Road, after Sirch Tunnel, Kerman

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the components of the Ganjali Khan Complex?
The complex includes a square, mosque, bazaar, bathhouse, mint, water reservoir, school, and caravanserai.

What are the natural attractions of Kerman?
Pardisan Forest and Simek Waterfalls.