Markazi Province Attractions
The Central Province, with its abundant natural and historical attractions, is one of the most visited provinces during Nowruz (Persian New Year) and can be considered a multi-purpose destination in the field of tourism.
The province, which is adjacent to Tehran, Qazvin, Lorestan, Isfahan, Qom, and Hamadan, covers an area of 29,405 square kilometers and has a population of 1.44 million. It features diverse climates, including mountainous, desert, plain, wetland, and forested areas. Additionally, each of its 12 counties boasts valuable and fascinating treasures, including historical, industrial, natural attractions, and beautiful subcultures.
Over 2,000 historical, touristic, religious, and cultural sites have been identified in the province, with 882 of them listed as national heritage sites.
The 380 registered historical sites of Markazi Province include mounds and ancient sites, more than 200 notable historical buildings, five natural wonders, and 27 ritual and intangible heritage sites. Additionally, hundreds of other sites have been registered in various categories.
The climatic, ecological nature, and geological structure, including fold directions, limestone sediments, fault formations, and ecological impacts, create an ideal environment for various springs, fountains, and caves in Markazi Province.
Located 20 kilometers northeast of Arak, the Miyghan Wetland is one of the most beautiful sights in Arak during winter and autumn. In winter, the wetland becomes covered in white salt, giving the impression of snowfall. The high evaporation rate in this wetland sometimes leads to it being referred to as the Miyghan Desert. Birdwatching, listening to birdsong, and watching the sunrise and sunset are some of the attractions of the Miyghan Wetland.
The Miyghan Wetland Basin is a closed basin situated between the Zagros Mountains and the Central Iranian Mountains, all within Markazi Province. The average annual rainfall in the Miyghan Wetland Basin is 287 millimeters.
Known as the Miyghan Desert in dry seasons, the Miyghan Wetland lies in the center of Iran, approximately eight kilometers northeast of Arak and five kilometers southeast of Davoodabad, in the lowest part of the Arak and Farahan plains.
Mahalat County
One of the prominent tourist destinations in Central Province is Mahalat, located in the southeast of the province, 260 kilometers from Tehran. Mahalat, known as the “Netherlands of Iran,” is famous for growing flowers and ornamental plants. The best time to visit Mahalat is during spring and summer when visitors can stay in hotels, guesthouses, or eco-lodges.
Mahalat Hot Springs
Hot springs are highly popular across Iran due to their therapeutic qualities, and Mahalat is no exception. Located on the Dodek Khoreh Road, Mahalat features hot springs with excellent facilities open to the public. Other nearby hot springs, such as Hakim, Shafa, Gabri, and Soleimani, are also popular and have many lodging options for travelers.
Kohreh Village
Kohreh, which means “place of the rising sun,” is a mountainous village located 50 kilometers northeast of Mahalat. The village retains its historical charm, and attractions like the Shah Belbel and Cow Hole caves are popular with tourists. Kohreh also features ancient columns from the Arbabieh Mansion and is known for traditional handicrafts, such as carpets, woolen socks, and fabric weaving.
2000-Year-Old Plane Tree
The streets of Mahalat are lined with plane trees, one of which is about 2,000 years old. This ancient tree remains sturdy and strong. The tree is located at one of Mahalat’s main squares, known as “Plane Tree Square.” Visitors to Mahalat can take photos with this historical tree but should be cautious not to damage it so that it remains for future generations.
Saveh
Saveh, a city in Markazi Province, is renowned for its pomegranates (known as “black rubies”), pistachios, and melons. The ancient city is located in the northern part of the province, bordering the southern part of Zarandieh County. Saveh, the second largest city in the province after Arak, dates back to the Sassanian era. Unfortunately, most of Saveh’s ancient sites were destroyed during the Mongol invasion. When visiting Saveh, don’t forget to try the local sweets.
Gonbad-e-Chaharsouq Museum
The Gonbad-e-Chaharsouq Museum, also known as the Four-Souq Museum, is an ethnological museum in Saveh. The twelve-sided Gonbad building dates back to the Safavid era, and during the month of Muharram, it was used as a place for religious ceremonies. The museum is located on Salman Saouji Street, with the historical Saveh Grand Mosque just 750 meters to the south. The architecture and plasterwork of this mosque are highly regarded.
Saveh Artificial Lake
The artificial lake in Saveh is one of the best tourist destinations in Markazi Province, offering a pleasant recreational area for families. It features an amusement park, water park, boating, open-air cinema, and walking areas. The lake is situated between Takhti and Pourzand Boulevards.
Four Seasons Bath Museum in Arak
Located between Shahid Square (National Garden) and Haft Tir Square on Dr. Beheshti Street, the Four Seasons Bath Museum is one of Arak’s popular tourist destinations. The bathhouse, which was designed for different religious minorities in Iran, features mosaic tiles depicting the four seasons. The museum, with its precious collections, is one of the best bathhouse museums in Iran.
Hezaveh Village
Located 18 kilometers west of Arak, Hezaveh is known for its vineyards, and the village’s main product is grape syrup. Attractions include an ancient cypress tree, the village’s old bathhouse, the Sultan Seyyed Ahmad shrine, and the Shabestan Mosque. Hezaveh, once called “Hazaar Aabeh” for its numerous springs, is known for its cool summers and abundant water sources.
Tafresh
Tafresh, with its humid climate, is located north of Arak and south of Saveh. The village is famous for its traditional embroidery, mirror work, and wood and metal artifacts. Products like olives, saffron, walnuts, almonds, purslane, and thyme are also common in the region. Join us to discover the tourist attractions of Tafresh.Click here to see all the attractions of Tafresh.
Qatrehbaran Waterfall
The Qatrehbaran Waterfall, with its beautiful name, is located in the northwest of Tafresh. The waterfall is situated in a wide valley, and the medicinal plant “Persian shallots” decorates the waterfall’s walls. A qanat (underground canal) nearby constantly drips water from the rocks, creating a mesmerizing scene.
Dr. Hesabi’s Tomb
Dr. Hesabi, the father of physics in Iran, passed away in 1992 in Geneva. His tomb is in Tafresh, where many of his admirers visit each year to pay respects. His tomb, located on Dr. Hesabi Street in Tafresh, is a landmark of Iranian intellect.
Khomein
The historical home of Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, is the most significant tourist attraction in Khomein. The house, which once served as a refuge for the defenseless villagers during attacks, dates back to the Qajar era. Imam Khomeini was born in this house in 1902, and it features several rooms, including a grand hall and a small house.
Shazand
Shazand, a mountainous city located southwest of Arak, dates back to the Qajar period. The city is home to major industrial facilities such as refineries, power plants, and sugar factories. Walnut, olive, grapes, and raisins are popular products in Shazand. Neighboring provinces are Lorestan and Hamadan.
“Abbasabad Spring,” located 2 kilometers east of Shazand, is another notable tourist spot in Markazi Province. The spring flows through the northern slopes of the Rasvand Mountains, creating a lush and scenic area, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Other natural attractions in Markazi Province include the “Mahalat” and “Belagh Hak” springs, the “Iskan” spring, the “Razaabad,” “Amarat,” “Shafa,” “Soleimani,” “Hakim,” “Grav,” “Anbartah,” “Qaqan,” and “Panje Ali” springs, along with 25 protected springs in the Seventy Peaks region and other springs in rural areas.
Kikhsar Cave
Kikhsar Cave, also known as Mount Shah Kikhsar or Mount Shah Zendeh, was once a pilgrimage site for Zoroastrians. Seven large tombstones near the cave are believed to belong to seven warriors from the Kianid dynasty. The cave is located on the western side of the Qara Chay River.
Rasvand
Rasvand is a mountain range in the southern part of Shazand, known for its varied slopes.
