Church / Cathedral / Monastery

Towers of Silence

The Towers of Silence are located on the outskirts of Yazd. In the Zoroastrian religion, dead bodies cannot be burnt or buried as they will defile the sacred earth or fire, so traditionally the dead were left out to be eaten by the birds. Women were placed on the higher of the two hills and men on the lower. In addition to the two hills, there are the remains of accommodation and catering facilities, as well as examples of Yazd cities traditional 'badgirs' - a form of desert air conditioning. [more]The Towers of Silence are located on the outskirts of Yazd. In the Zoroastrian religion, dead bodies cannot be burnt or buried as they will defile the sacred earth or fire, so traditionally the dead were left out to be eaten by the birds. Women were placed on the higher of the two hills and men on the lower. In addition to the two hills, there are the remains of accommodation and catering facilities, as well as examples of Yazd cities traditional 'badgirs' - a form of desert air conditioning. The Islamic government outlawed the use of the towers and today they are no longer used - a small Zoroastrian cemetery is now in place close by the Towers. There is no admission fee, but the 'keeper' of the site will appreciate a small donation and will probably allow you to take photographs of him and his donkey! There are public toilets available.

Church / Cathedral / Monastery

Zoroastrian Fire Temple

The Zoroastrian Fire Temple in Yazd welcomes visitors - both Zoroastrian or Parsi pilgrims and tourists alike. The sacred fire at the Yazd Ateshkadeh has been burning since 470 AD and is tended by elderly gentlemen whose job it is to make sure that it never goes out. The temple is open to the public from 7-11 am and 5-7 pm from Saturday to Thursday. However, if it's closed, visitors should ask around and the locals will probably find someone to open it if necessary. There are many signs givin [more]The Zoroastrian Fire Temple in Yazd welcomes visitors - both Zoroastrian or Parsi pilgrims and tourists alike. The sacred fire at the Yazd Ateshkadeh has been burning since 470 AD and is tended by elderly gentlemen whose job it is to make sure that it never goes out. The temple is open to the public from 7-11 am and 5-7 pm from Saturday to Thursday. However, if it's closed, visitors should ask around and the locals will probably find someone to open it if necessary. There are many signs giving information about the site and to help visitors understand what they are seeing.

Building

Amir Chaghmagh Square

Amir Chaghmagh (or Chakhmakh or Chaqmaq) is one of the most photographed squares in the Iranian city of Yazd and is considered to be one of the biggest squares in the world. At one side is the stunning mosque building with it's beautifully balanced and symmetrical arches. In front is a public area with fountains and gardens. The Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque and Ali Qapu are amongst the historical buildings which surround the square. Visitors can also access a small bazaar via the main arch. The s [more]Amir Chaghmagh (or Chakhmakh or Chaqmaq) is one of the most photographed squares in the Iranian city of Yazd and is considered to be one of the biggest squares in the world. At one side is the stunning mosque building with it's beautifully balanced and symmetrical arches. In front is a public area with fountains and gardens. The Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque and Ali Qapu are amongst the historical buildings which surround the square. Visitors can also access a small bazaar via the main arch. The square is always open and the buildings are attractively lit at night time for photographers and tourists alike.

Building

Alexander's Prison

Alexander's Prison is one of the most controversial buildings in the desert city of Yazd. Folklore has it that the dungeon-like construction was used by Alexander the Great to hold prisoners nearly 2500 years ago, although the building is believed to have only been built in the 13th Century. It's currently considered to have been built as a mosque and religious school and to have no connection to Alexander. (although the reference is believed to have come from a famous Persian poet, Hafez) Th [more]Alexander's Prison is one of the most controversial buildings in the desert city of Yazd. Folklore has it that the dungeon-like construction was used by Alexander the Great to hold prisoners nearly 2500 years ago, although the building is believed to have only been built in the 13th Century. It's currently considered to have been built as a mosque and religious school and to have no connection to Alexander. (although the reference is believed to have come from a famous Persian poet, Hafez) The entry fee to the 'prison' is just 2000 Rials (approx 15 euro cents) and includes entrance to the Tomb of 12 Imams which is nearby. The main tourist office is also located on the same street.

Church / Cathedral / Monastery

Tomb of 12 Imams

The Mosque of the Tomb of 12 Imams is located in the old town of Yazd, just a few metres from Alexander's Prison. A small admission fee of approx 10 pence or 15 eurocents gains entry to both buildings. The Mosque dates to the early 11th century and doesn't contain the tombs of any of the 12 Imams - the name comes from inscriptions of the names inside the building. Whilst the building is in poor condition, it does have some interesting stucco work.

Church / Cathedral / Monastery

Jameh Mosque

The gateway of the 700 year old Jameh Mosque is one of the most photographed locations in Yazd and Iran in general. The soaring gateway is crowned by two minarets which, standing 48m high, are the tallest in Iran. The mosaic and tiling decoration throughout the mosque is of exceptional quality and the building has been designed to be cool in even the hottest desert summer. There is no entrance fee and, despite being a mosque, only regular islamic dress code is required (i.e no Chador for the la [more]The gateway of the 700 year old Jameh Mosque is one of the most photographed locations in Yazd and Iran in general. The soaring gateway is crowned by two minarets which, standing 48m high, are the tallest in Iran. The mosaic and tiling decoration throughout the mosque is of exceptional quality and the building has been designed to be cool in even the hottest desert summer. There is no entrance fee and, despite being a mosque, only regular islamic dress code is required (i.e no Chador for the ladies).