Top Recreational Spots in Saveh : From Historical Sites to Recreation in Saveh
Just as little is said about the attractions of Saveh, much is known about its pomegranates. You may find it interesting to know that this city is filled with historical and natural attractions that many people have never even heard of. The reason for Saveh’s lesser-known tourist spots is that it is not a popular tourist destination, and even many Iranian travelers overlook it.
This small but ancient city, dating back to the Sassanid era, is located in the Markazi Province and was once on the Silk Road. Saveh suffered significant damage from the Mongol invasion in the 7th century; its museums and libraries were burned, and many of its historical landmarks were destroyed. Despite this, Saveh remains an important and historic city in Iran.
Historical Attractions of Saveh
If you’re interested in visiting museums, historical, and ancient sites, consider adding a trip to Saveh to your plans. This ancient city, which has long held historical significance, is filled with landmarks that date back to pre-Islamic times. Here are some of the most important attractions in Saveh.
Jameh Mosque of Saveh
One of Saveh’s most significant attractions is its Jameh Mosque, a site of great historical value. This mosque is one of the earliest built in Iran, having endured multiple historical periods, including pre-Islamic, early Islamic, and the Safavid era. Each era introduced changes and restorations to the original structure, which has thus undergone many transformations. The current Jameh Mosque was built during the reign of Shah Ismail I Safavi on the site of a Seljuk mosque.
The mosque’s brick minaret is the only remaining part of the Seljuk-era mosque. This 14-meter minaret, decorated with intricate brickwork and three Kufic inscriptions, stands outside the mosque as a separate structure. Archaeologists believe that modifications were made to the mosque’s architecture during the Seljuk and Ilkhanid periods, replacing clay bricks with traditional bricks and incorporating plaster. Given its historical value, the Jameh Mosque is one of Saveh’s most important sites.
Address: Markazi Province, Saveh, end of Salman-e Saveji Street
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Fee: Free
Red Mosque of Saveh
The Red Mosque, another top attraction in Saveh, is ideal for history enthusiasts. Named after its red inscriptions and decorations, the mosque’s origins trace back to either the reign of Shah Ismail I Safavi or the Seljuk period, according to historians.
The mosque’s minaret dates back to 453 AH and includes a dome, courtyard, minaret, hallways, and three porticoes. The Red Mosque was nationally registered in 2010, and its minaret was registered in 1931, marking it as an essential site in Saveh.
Address: Markazi Province, Saveh, Enghelab Square
Hours: Open 24 hours
Entrance Fee: Free
Abdolghaffar Khan Caravanserai of Saveh
Known as Sheikh Garden Caravanserai, this scenic caravanserai dates back to the Zand era and is located in the village of Sheikh Garden, 6 km from Saveh. The complex includes a water reservoir and a Hosseiniyeh (religious building), and it’s constructed with brick and stone in a four-arch layout, making it one of Saveh’s prized landmarks.
The caravanserai’s entrance is two-story and positioned on the southeast side. Both sides of the main entrance feature seven symmetrical archways. The square courtyard has a central arch on each side. Registered as a national heritage site in 1975, Abdolghaffar Khan Caravanserai is a must-see attraction in Saveh.
Address: Markazi Province, Saveh, Sheikh Garden Village toward Taraz Nahid Road
Hours: Open 24 hours
Entrance Fee: Free
Imamzadeh Seyyed Es’haq of Saveh
Imamzadeh Seyyed Es’haq, a descendant of Imam Musa al-Kadhim (PBUH), is an architectural landmark styled after the Seljuk period, considered one of Saveh’s key tourist attractions. The main structure dates back to the mid-7th century AH, with renovations from the Safavid period, which modified its dome.
This brick building has two archways, with its entrance on the north side. Turquoise octagonal tiles, three-centimeter-thick brick tiles, and a Thuluth script inscription featuring Surah Al-Jumu’ah are among the decorative elements. Inside, there are also beautiful wall paintings. The site was nationally registered in 1936.
Address: Markazi Province, Saveh, Sardar Square
Hours: From dawn until shortly after dusk
Entrance Fee: Free
Chahar Souq Dome (Chahar Souq Museum of Saveh)
The Chahar Souq Dome, also known as Chahar Souq Museum, is a Safavid-era structure. Originally a connecting point for four alley markets, the building earned its name, meaning “Four Market Dome.” Today, only the Saveh Grand Bazaar to the north and a few small shops to the south remain. In the past, the Chahar Souq served as a community center, evidenced by the rooms that surround the dome.
Built with bricks, the dome’s layered outer design and ornate interior are striking. Registered as a national heritage site in 1977, it opened as a museum in 2007. Today, the museum displays rare books, historical artifacts, coins, gravestones, and cultural artifacts from Saveh.
Address: Markazi Province, Saveh, north side of Enghelab Square, Salman-e Saveji Street
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: 5,000 IRR
Sights of Historic Interest in Saveh
If you’re interested in museums, historical sites, and ancient landmarks, consider a visit to the ancient city of Saveh. Once a significant city, Saveh is filled with architectural marvels dating back to pre-Islamic times. Here’s a guide to the must-see historical attractions in Saveh:
1. Saveh Jameh Mosque
One of the most significant historical sites in Saveh, the Jameh Mosque, is among the oldest mosques in Iran, with layers of history dating back to pre-Islamic times, the early Islamic period, and the Safavid era. Each era added changes and restorations, making it a unique example of evolving architecture. Notably, the 14-meter-high minaret, a remnant from the Seljuk period, features intricate brickwork and three Kufic inscriptions.
Location: Salman Saveji St., Saveh, Markazi Province
Hours: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm daily
Entry Fee: Free
Red Mosque of Saveh
Known for its red inscriptions and decorations, this mosque dates back to either the reign of Shah Ismail Safavid or the Seljuk period. Its notable minaret was constructed in 453 AH. The mosque’s layout includes a dome, courtyard, minaret, and several alcoves, making it a popular attraction for history lovers.
Location: Inqilab Square, Saveh
Hours: Open 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
Abdolghaffar Khan Caravanserai
Known as the Sheikh Garden Caravanserai, this structure from the Zand era lies six kilometers outside Saveh in Sheikh Garden village. It has four courtyards, an entrance tower, an underground water reservoir, and a Husseiniyeh. Registered as a national monument in 1975, this caravanserai reflects traditional Persian architecture and remains a prime historical destination.
Location: Sheikh Garden village, Saveh
Hours: Open 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
Imamzadeh Seyed Eshaq
This shrine, the burial place of Seyed Eshaq, a descendant of Imam Musa al-Kadhim (AS), features architecture from the Seljuk era. It has two large archways and stunning turquoise tiles, with inscriptions in the Thuluth script showcasing the Quranic verse from Surah Al-Jumu’ah. Inside, you’ll find beautiful wall paintings.
Location: Sardar Square, Saveh
Hours: Open from dawn until shortly after dusk
Entry Fee: Free
Chahar Souq Dome (Saveh Museum)
A Safavid-era building, this square structure once connected four smaller markets, hence the name “Chahar Souq.” Now a museum, it displays manuscripts, coins, old tools, and cultural artifacts. The dome’s stunning brickwork and tiered exterior design make it a beautiful site to visit.
Location: North side of Inqilab Square, Salman Saveji St., Saveh
Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
Entry Fee: 5,000 Tomans
Governor’s Mansion (Hakim Saveh Mansion)
This two-story mansion, part of the historical Abad Castle complex, includes a governor’s mansion, administrative buildings, a mosque, and a water reservoir. Featuring a central courtyard, a fountain, and a central bathhouse, it was repurposed as an eco-lodge in 2019 and is now a popular Saveh attraction.
Location: Ferdows 38, Basij 1 St., Saveh
Hours: Open 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
Saveh Bazaar
Located in the city center, Saveh Bazaar dates back to the Safavid period. Spanning 600 meters, it features a range of shops from spice vendors to jewelry stores, with several historic mosques and caravansaries along the main corridor. It’s an immersive experience in Saveh’s heritage and local trade.
Location: Between Imam Khomeini St. and Inqilab Square, Saveh
Hours: 8:00 am – 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm – 7:30 pm (closed on Fridays)
Entry Fee: Free
Underground City of Aveh
This ancient subterranean city, believed to date back to the time of Ardashir Babakan, was used as a shelter from Mongol invasions. Located near the Saveh-Salafchegan highway, it remains one of Saveh’s most mysterious attractions.
Location: Imam Khomeini St., Mayelian Alley, Saveh
Hours: Open 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
Recreational Attractions in Saveh
If you’re planning a visit to Saveh, exploring the city’s recreational spots can add a touch of excitement to your trip, especially if you’re interested in more than just historical sites. Here’s a look at some popular recreational destinations in Saveh:
Saveh Hill (Bam-e Saveh)
For a panoramic view of Saveh, Saveh Hill offers the perfect vantage point. A park atop the hill features a range of recreational facilities, including a large indoor amusement park, a cinema, an amphitheater with 600 seats, traditional and fast-food restaurants, a prayer room, fitness equipment, children’s play areas, BBQ stations, water fountains, and ping-pong tables.
Location: Taravat Boulevard, Saveh, Markazi Province
Hours: Open 24/7
Entry Fee: Free; amusement park facilities have separate charges
Saveh Recreational Lake
This 33,000-square-meter artificial lake is a picturesque spot with fresh air that draws many visitors. It offers various boating options, including pedal, rowing, and motor boats. Surrounding the lake are beautiful areas for relaxing, walking, and exercising. Nearby facilities include an amusement park, a café, a water park, and an open-air cinema. Restrooms and parking are also available.
Location: Takhti Boulevard, Saveh
Hours: Open 24/7 (boating and amusement park open in the afternoon and evening)
Entry Fee: Free; charges apply for recreational facilities
Shahid Chamran Forest Park
Nature enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Shahid Chamran Forest Park, a 107-hectare expanse located along the Hamadan ring road. The park is filled with various trees, including pine, acacia, cypress, ash, mulberry, pistachio, olive, and more. Walking paths make it easy to explore this forested area, a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Location: Near the Hamadan ring road, Saveh
Hours: Open 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
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These recreational sites provide a blend of nature, fun, and relaxation for a well-rounded experience in Saveh. Whether you’re seeking scenic views, outdoor activities, or a peaceful forest walk, Saveh offers diverse options for every traveler.
