Sightseeing in Kashan | 27 Tourist Attractions in Kashan at a Glance
While Isfahan is often called “Half the World,” Kashan, with its 7500-year history, is a treasure trove of ancient civilizations that rivals the rich traditions and culture of our ancestors. The Fin Garden, Tabatabaei House, Niasar Waterfall, Abbasiyeh Mansion, Ameriha House, and Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse are just a few of Kashan’s many attractions that will captivate any history buff.
Historical Places of Kashan to Travel to the Past
As I mentioned before, Kashan is one of the most historical cities in Iran. The historical buildings of this city, with the stories behind them, are among the most mysterious and best places to see in Kashan.
1. Fin Garden, Kashan: A Heavenly Building in Kashan
Fin Garden is one of the most beautiful places to see in Kashan, which is very close to Iranian culture and architecture. This building has a long history and according to historical writings, Jamshid, the Iranian king, ordered its construction.
The beauty of this garden from the sights of Kashan attracted the attention of many kings so that during the reign of the “Al-Buyeh” and “Ilkhanan” rulers, its area was added to. In the meantime, there were also kings who repaired it. It may be interesting for you to know that Fin Garden is one of the largest UNESCO-registered gardens.
2. Fin Bathhouse: The Place of Amir Kabir’s Last Breath
Another tourist attraction and sight of Kashan that attracts a lot of attention is the two baths of this city. One of these baths is located in the south of Fin Garden, which is known as Fin Bathhouse. According to historical documents, this bath was built by order of Fath Ali Shah and was intended for nobles.
There is another bath in this section that was built for the servants during the Safavid era. Therefore, the age of the servants’ bath is more than that of the nobles’ bath. In the servants’ bathhouse, there are seven tiles that historians say are 500 years old. It is interesting to know that Amir Kabir or Qaem Maqam Farahani was assassinated in this section. His death is the most unfortunate historical event recorded in the history of this building.
3. Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse: The Most Magnificent Royal Bathhouse in Kashan
Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse is also one of the masterpieces and sights of Kashan, which is no less attractive than Fin Bathhouse. This artistic building is located in the historical texture of Kashan, so after seeing it, you can easily go to Boroujerdi House, Abbasi House and Tabatabaei House. Next to this bathhouse, there is also a shrine that has given its name to this bathhouse.
This bathhouse, with its beautiful blue and gold tiles and very beautiful and artistic plasterwork, attracts every viewer. Now add to these features the beautiful wall paintings, colored glasses and vaulted ceilings and see what a mess it becomes.
In addition to the architecture and interior decoration, the rooftop of this place from the sights of Kashan is also decorated with various designs and colors. In short, we can say that this bathhouse was built for professional photography. So on your trip to Kashan, don’t miss it at all.
4. Traditional Bazaar of Kashan: New Smell and Old Pictures in Kashan
One of the sights of Kashan is its traditional bazaar. This bazaar was registered in 1976 and is considered a national monument. According to historians and archaeologists, the history of this large and magnificent bazaar dates back to the Safavid era. The traditional bazaar of Kashan is located near ancient trade routes, which shows that it was very prosperous in ancient times.
This bazaar has a large structure that includes many sections, including the Mir Emad Square Mosque, Mir Panj Caravansary, Zoghaaliha, Ghaffarpoor, Robat, Boroujerdiha, Naraqiha, Amin Al-Dawleh Timche, in Mianchal Bazaar, Timche Bakshi, Timche Seyed Agha, Timche Sabbagh, Ab Anbar Bala Bazaar and Dar Zanjeer, Hosseinieh Souragh Risman, Masjed Kafsh Doosek, Masjed Bala Bazaar and Masjed Tamqachiha.
Inside the bazaar from the sights of Kashan, many people are also working. For example, the beginning of it is in the hands of blacksmiths and dyers, and in other parts we can also see shoemakers, tailors and cloth sellers who are eagerly selling their goods.
5. Qamsar Kashan: Rosewater of Kashan.
You must have heard the name Qamsar Kashan a lot about rosewater of Kashan. A place that is famous for its fragrant rosewater. This beautiful place from the sights of Kashan in the spring season is the guest of pink roses that with its uniform pink color and extraordinary fragrance has provided a relaxing atmosphere so that many tourists go to Qamsar Kashan to see it.
6. Underground City of Nushabad: One of the Sights of Kashan
One of the tourist attractions of Kashan is the underground city of Nushabad. As the name suggests, this mysterious area is located at a depth of four to eighteen meters below the ground. Researchers say that this historical building was built by ancient humans before the advent of Islam for military and defensive purposes.
The underground city from the sights of Kashan is located in Nushabad, which is near the city of Kashan. This city has three floors, which are made up of rooms, tunnels, corridors, wells, etc. Vertical wells connect these floors together. Many people also know this underground city as the city of Ouyi.
Religious Places of Kashan
In the past, this city was one of the main centers of Zoroastrians and Muslims. This is why you can see interesting mosques and fire temples in it, which are considered to be among the sights of Kashan.
1. Kashan Grand Mosque
One of the oldest areas and sights of Kashan is the Grand Mosque of this city, which according to historical documents was built at the request of Safieh Khatun, the daughter of Malek Ashtar who lived in the Seljuk era. Since this mosque has a very long history, it has been repaired and renovated by kings such as “Abdolrazzaq Khan” and “Karim Khan Zand”.
This religious place from the sights of Kashan is a piece of original Iranian art. Because on every wall you look at, you will see beautiful tilework designs and unique inscriptions that have been engraved on the walls by famous calligraphers such as “Abdolkarim” and “Ibn Mohammad Hossein Mohammad Kazem Isfahani”.
2. Agha Bozorg Mosque and School
The Agha Bozorg Mosque and School is also one of the sights of Kashan that you must see up close. This large and beautiful structure was built during the Qajar era and its construction lasted until the accession of Naser al-Din Shah. It is said that a benefactor named “Haj Mohammad Taqi Khanban” provided a lot of financial assistance in the construction of this valuable building.
The Agha Bozorg complex has different sections, including the night porches, the central courtyard, the entrance porch, the entrance vestibule and the sanctuary. In the construction of this building, an intelligent design and precise architecture have been used, in such a way that in hot summers, a cool and pleasant air circulates in the dome, which makes one feel good.
One of the other positive features of this complex from the sights of Kashan is the simplicity of its decorations, which have been artistically worked on this building with a combination of original arts such as Chinese carving, plasterwork, muqarnas, al-t knotwork, tilework and painting. However, in no way is there any exaggeration in it. The large pool, fountain, garden pit and the surrounding greenery have doubled the beauty and freshness of the Agha Bozorg Mosque.
3. Niasar Fire Temple
As you know, the fire temple was a place for Zoroastrians to worship, and this place has now become one of the tourist attractions of Kashan. This beautiful sanctuary is located in the heights of Niasar, Kashan, and according to historians, it was built during the Sassanian era.
This ancient structure from the sights of Kashan is also known as “Chahar Qapu” and “Chahar Darwaze”. Despite its long history, the Niasar Fire Temple does not need much restoration among historical monuments and is still standing.
4. Safavid Meydan Mosque
This historic mosque, which dates back to the Seljuk period, was built a few centuries ago. The Safavid Mosque is located in the south of Fayz Square and next to the city’s Grand Bazaar. The Safavid Mosque from the sights of Kashan had both a portal, a square-shaped mihrab, and four porches. Currently, although all these parts of the building exist, not much of its past glory and splendor remains.
Natural Places of Kashan for Nature Tourism
Although the historical aspect of this city is very prominent, this is no reason why it should not have a few natural attractions. Rest assured that the sights of Kashan are so diverse that everyone with every taste will not leave empty-handed.
1. Sialk Hills, Kashan: Ancient Cemetery
One of the structures that reflects the early Iranian civilization is the Sialk Hills of Kashan. This beautiful place is one of the tourist attractions of Kashan that is worth seeing. This hill is the burial place of ancient people, which is divided into two groups, A and B. According to historical evidence and documents, the A tombs are 3500 years old and the B tombs are about 3000 years old.
These hills were a place of worship for Iranians in ancient times. Mudbrick was used in the construction of this structure. This natural and historical building emerged from the ground after a flood and showed its value to everyone.
2. Niasar Cave: The Same as Souragh Rais Cave
One of the areas that we recommend you to visit during your trip to the sights of Kashan is Niasar Cave. This amazing cave is 2000 years old and according to historical documents, its beautiful carvings have been made by humans to be a place for religious ceremonies. Of course, this is one of the assumptions that has been
Niasar Cave is also known as Souragh Rais Cave. Inside this cave there are narrow and winding paths that always amaze tourists.
3. Aboozadeh Abad Desert: An Off-Road Trip in the Heart of the Desert
If you are interested in desert and desert tourism, you can also visit Aboozadeh Abad desert on your trip to Kashan. This area is geographically located in a part of the Band Rig desert in the north of Aboozadeh Abad and northeast of Kashan. In this beautiful desert, there are also several ancient underground buildings that are worth seeing.
On this desert tour from the sights of Kashan, you can also visit the Safavid Caravansary and the underground city of Nushabad. In addition, you can also go to the historical village of Abyaneh, which is 2000 years old. You can also visit the Karshashi Castle and Yakhāb Mountain. If you decide to go on this desert trip, you should do it in the winter and fall.
4. Niasar Waterfall: In the Heart of Nature
This waterfall is located in the city of Niasar near Kashan. Niasar Waterfall is approximately 25 meters high. The amount of water in the waterfall is the most in winter and spring and the least in autumn and summer.
What makes this waterfall unique is its sedimentary and calcareous body. There is some lime in the water of this waterfall, which has accumulated over the years in layers and in the form of stalactites, giving the waterfall a special shape and appearance.
The climate of Niasar, especially in the parts close to the waterfall, is very different from Kashan and the surrounding cities. While Kashan is a hot, dry and desert region, Niasar has a cold and mountainous climate.
5. Mount Karkes
Mount Karkes is one of the natural attractions of Kashan and is part of the Central Mountains of Iran. This mountain is located in the western part of Natanz and has a very high altitude. So much so that even despite being located in a semi-arid and desert region, the mountain is covered in snow for more than half the year and has very cold weather.
The total area of this massive mountain range is about 300,000 hectares. Despite such a climate, animals such as goats, rams, sheep, leopards, hyenas, foxes, wolves, jackals, etc. live in this area.
Historical Houses of Kashan: Masterpieces of Traditional Architecture
Kashan has many historical houses, each with its own unique beauty. Here are a few of these historical buildings that you can include in your travel itinerary.
1. Ehsan Historical House: A Foreign Hotel
The first house to be built in Kashan is right here. The owner of this house was a man named Haj Mirza Agha Ehsan. Ehsan House was purchased and renovated in 1380 by engineer Mohammad Morooj Hosseini. The complex’s amenities include a movie theater, a theater, a meeting hall, a library, a pottery workshop, bicycle rentals, and more.
This building also has a museum that houses works by the contemporary artist Manouchehr Shibani. From Ehsan House, you can visit other sights in Kashan such as the Historical Aristocratic House, Safavi Palace, Manouchehri House and Amin al-Dawleh Timcheh.
2. Tabatabaei House
You can see one of the masterpieces of Iranian architecture in this Tabatabaei House. This incredibly beautiful building is nearly 200 years old and consists of three sections: the inner, outer and staff sections, each of which has its own magnificent decorations that captivate every tourist with its splendor and beauty. You can read more about this house in the article Everything about Tabatabaei House in Kashan.
3. Boroujerdi House: A Story of Pure Love
The historical buildings and structures of the city of Kashan have the most beautiful Iranian architecture. One of the most attractive of them is the Boroujerdi House, which bears a great resemblance to the Tabatabaei House. Of course, there is an interesting story behind this similarity.
The son of Mr. Boroujerdi fell in love with the daughter of Mr. Tabatabaei and proposed to her. But Mr. Tabatabaei made a condition that if they wanted his daughter, they would have to build a beautiful building like his own for his beloved daughter, and that’s how this beautiful building was built. You can read the full story of this house and this fascinating love in the article Boroujerdi House in Kashan.
These magnificent buildings have always been a place to attract Iranian and foreign tourists, dating back to the Qajar era. It is interesting to know that these houses have dome-shaped wind towers, which were called “Kolah Farangi” in ancient times.
4. Abbasiyan House: The Most Beautiful Iranian-Islamic Building
Abbasiyan House has an original and incredibly artistic architecture and is always host to many Iranian and foreign tourists. The beauty of this building is such that it has won the title of the most beautiful Iranian-Islamic building. While visiting Abbasiyan House, you can also visit its restaurant and enjoy your desired meal while admiring this magnificent work of art.
Interestingly, some scenes from memorable films and series such as The Traveler of Ray, Mullah Sadra, A House in the Dark and Jabr Ibn Hayyan were filmed in this building. Abbasiyan House was renovated in 1377. Since then it has been registered on the list of national monuments.
5. Morshedi House: A Cozy Teahouse
This beautiful house is 250 years old and was completely renovated in 1394. According to historians, these houses were for wealthy people, which can be seen from the expensive decorative items in the rooms.
In addition to its good location, this house also has a 150-meter pool where you can relax and enjoy its beauty and coolness in the summer. In the teahouse section, you can also enjoy a variety of traditional drinks and infusions that will refresh you.
6. Ameriha House
This traditional resort was built during the Zand era. It consists of several houses that are connected to each other by communication routes. This vast place has the tallest wind catcher compared to the wind catchers of Kashan and has been used as a 5-star hotel since 1393. A bathhouse, bank, restaurant and handicraft shops are among the other amenities of this complex.
Traditional Hotels and Accommodations of Kashan
Now that you are familiar with the historical houses of Kashan, it is not a bad idea to get to know some of the traditional hotels and accommodations in this city. Imagine staying in one of the sights of Kashan, it is very attractive.
1. Manouchehri Traditional Hotel
This beautiful traditional hotel provides both a place to rest and a sense of wonder with its art and 400-year history. And since it is close to the ancient Kashan bazaar, it is both fortune and spectacle.
The Manouchehri Traditional Hotel was renovated in 1390 and despite modern changes has retained its traditional form. This hotel has a water reservoir that today is a venue for ceremonies and speeches.
2. Sadeghi Traditional Accommodation
One of the famous hotels, which is also one of the sights of Kashan, is called Sadeghi Accommodation. This building was purchased by Mr. Sadeghi in 1370 and after an 8-year renovation is now known as a traditional accommodation. Unlike other hotels, this building has a public bathroom and toilet.
3. Negin Traditional Hotel
This historic hotel is also about 250 years old and is run by a charitable family who donate its proceeds to orphans and neglected children. The special architecture of this building has protected it from heat and cold in different seasons.
Interestingly, the Negin Traditional Hotel, in addition to its equipped and modern facilities, still reflects the ancient Iranian culture, so many tourists are interested in staying there. This hotel can accommodate 100 tourists at the same time.
4. Mahinestan Traditional Accommodation
This beautiful building was built in the late Qajar era and was completely renovated in 1392. The features of the building’s renovation have made it one of the most stylish hotels in Kashan. In addition to watching the beautiful combination of ancient and modern Iranian culture, you can also enjoy its free city tour. Handicraft stalls, safety deposit boxes, dry cleaning and currency exchange services are among other amenities of this beautiful hotel.
5. Iranian House Accommodation
One of the sights of Kashan that is also a suitable place to stay is the Iranian House, a 3-star hotel that is about 250 years old. This hotel has five rooms with the names of Balakhaneh, Pardehsara, Nehan Khaneh, Khanehsara and Khalvatsara. If you love taking pictures, do so in the mirror room, the teahouse and by the pool, to see what amazing photos you can take.
6. Majoon House Ecotourism Accommodation
This accommodation is located in the east of Kashan and in the village of Marq, which is considered the mountainous part of Kashan. So it is natural that such an area has a pleasant climate, a river, a spring and an orchard and creates a dreamlike place.
In addition to staying in this beautiful and eye-catching place, you can also enjoy seeing the historical monuments of Marq. However, it is necessary to know that staying in this center is not suitable in the warm seasons of the year, because its cooling facilities are only a fan.
In the end, how did you get to know the sights of Kashan?
Although there are many sights to see in Kashan, most of them are close together and you can see them all in a two-day trip. A trip without souvenirs is not pleasant, in another gulf city pedia article, we have fully introduced the souvenirs of Kashan.