All you need to know about Kashan | Kashan Travel Guide 2024

Author : Parsa | Date : Tuesday 19 November 2024 12:45

Kashan, the city of civilization and culture, narrates the story of a 7000-year history. Having the delightful sensation of a safari in the Maranjab desert to exploring the Grand Bazaar of Kashan can be a minuscule part of your unforgettable memories. The variety of UNESCO heritage sites and eco-tourism opportunities of Kashan make this city a must-see attraction. Moreover, we will review the following topics in this article:

• Overview of Kashan’s History
• Best Seasons to Visit Kashan
• The Top Attractions to Visit in Kashan
• How to get to Kashan
• Accommodation in Kashan
• Souvenirs and Handicrafts

What is the History of Kashan?

Kashan is located in the northern part of Isfahan province and leads to the Central Desert of Iran from the east. This ancient city has given birth to one of the oldest civilizations ever. Kashan is hosting Sialk Hills, the world's first and oldest ziggurat. The oldest trace of human habitation in Kashan is 40000 years ago belonging to the age of Neanderthal man. In addition, there are countless cultural sites in Kashan whose history returns to the modern era. Traditional architecture in Kashan illustrates the local lifestyle in past centuries, so try not to miss them at all.

Best Time to Visit Kashan

As Kashan has a desert climate, organizing a trip to this city in summer can be intolerable if you are sensitive to heat. Furthermore, the world-known festival of rosewater in Kashan is held in spring from late April to June. This is why visiting this heritage site in spring is recommended.

In addition, if you are a safari lover and adventurous traveler, the best season to visit Kashan is autumn and winter from December to mid-March. You will also have the opportunity to hire a chauffeur-driven car and enjoy an operated tour in Kashan including a safari or city tour.

The Top Attractions of Kashan

Kashan is a symbol of Iranian historical monuments and Persian Gardens. Visiting the World UNESCO Heritage Sites and enjoying the atmosphere of Kashan’s nature simultaneously, will distinguish your trip from any other experience before.

Fin Garden

This Persian garden is located in the Fin district in Kashan city center. The area of Fin Garden is 23000 square meters containing a central yard featuring 579 cypresses and 11 plantain trees surrounded by cylindrical towers and walls. The garden's architecture belongs to the Safavid era, the birthplace of innumerable Iranian art and culture. In addition, many seasonal exhibitions and events take place in the surrounding area of Fin Garden where you can enjoy a walk through the temporary souvenir shops and art galleries. Also, Fin Hammam (traditional bathhouses) and Kashan National Museum are located in this heavenly garden. If you are scheduling a plan to visit this tourist attraction, remember that Fin Garden’s opening hours are from 9 am to 5 pm every day, and the entrance ticket fee is around 1$ for tourists.

Sialk Hills

Sialk Hills are the ancient ruins of the oldest ziggurats in the world. Archaeologists estimate that the history of these hills is more than 7000 years. This UNESCO heritage site contains 2 Cemeteries. Cemetery A is located in the southern part of the hills and is 3500 years old. Cemetery B is under the gardens and farming lands of the western part of the hills and is 3000 years old. During the excavation of the famous archaeologist, Roman Ghirshman, plenty of ancient dishes and human skeletons were discovered. These archaeological findings were all transferred to the Paris Louvre Museum and are still kept there. The working hours of this site are from 9 am to 4 pm and the ticket fee is around 50 cents for each.

Agha Bozorg Mosque

Agha Bozorg complex is constructed in the old texture of Kashan. This Islamic heritage contains a Mosque and a Madrasa (religious school) adjacent to it which were constructed in the Qajar era in the last century. This architectural masterpiece includes a Central Dome and Minarets, Tile working on the walls, and Plastery art on ceilings. Both the Mosque and Madrasa complex are open to visitors to showcase the stunning architecture and craftsmanship of the Qajar era. Agha Bozorg mosque proudly serves as a place of worship for Muslims beside the Madrasa which provides education in Islamic theology for students.

Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse

Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse, a highlight among Kashan's baths, stands out with its distinctive architecture and interior decor. Also known as Qasemi Bath, it, alongside Fin Garden and Bath, marks a key historical and tourist spot in Kashan. Named after the adjacent shrine of Imam Javad's grandson, this bath exemplifies the richness of Iranian bath culture.

The Grand Bazaar of Kashan

The Grand Bazaar of Kashan has a long history dating back to the 16th century which connected Persia to Central Asia as a commercial hub. If you are an enthusiast of finding unique treasures and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the traditional markets, the Bazaar of Kashan is a must-try for you. The Grand Bazaar offers a wide range of products including handicrafts, pottery, carpets, textiles, spices, and herbals. The Bazaar is 3 kilometers long and is characterized by Islamic architectural masterpieces. Timcheh Amin od-Dowleh and Timcheh Bakhshi are the most popular sights of this traditional market.

The Maranjab Desert

The Maranjab Desert is a mesmerizing and vast desert located in Aran Bidgol County. Maranjab is situated about 60 kilometers northeast of Kashan making an easily accessible for travelers to the city. By driving around 2 hours from Kashan city center toward NoushAbad road, you will arrive at Maranjab Caravanserai which is a major tourist spot in the desert. The Caravanserai has 29 rooms which you can stay there in case you have made your reservation earlier. From camel rides to photography opportunities of the astonishing sunset viewpoints are offered to you in the desert. Sand Dunes of the desert reaching heights up to 70 meters at some points, provide the chance for sandboarding. Also, The Maranjab Desert is a stargazing spot at night with a pleasant temperature. Furthermore, if you are interested in a breathtaking off-road trip, there are several options for reserving an operated off-road tour in Maranjab.

Traditional Houses

Traditional houses of Kashan play a significant role in Persian architectural heritage. These notable traditional Persian architecture sites are must-sees due to their elaborate decorations and exquisite designs.

Tabatabaei House

Tabatabei's historical house is recognized as the bride of the Persian houses. This eye-catching mansion is located in Kashan city center in the neighborhood of other monuments such as Boroujerdi's house. This mansion was a private residence in the Qajar era. The owner of the house was a famous carpet businessman named ‘Seyed Javad Tabatabaei’. He ordered this stunning building to the most well-known architect of the time and it took 10 years for him to finish the project. Plastering and paintings on the walls are inspired by Persian carpet patterns. This architectural masterpiece contains 40 rooms, 4 yards and cellars, 3 windcatchers, and 2 qanat systems. You can visit this historical monument from 9 am to 4 pm.

Boroujerdi House

The House Museum of Boroujerdi also known as ‘Khane Boroujerdiha’ exposes the art of a Persian renowned architect named ‘Ali Maryami Kashani’. This historic mansion illustrates the art of Islamic-Iranian plastery, painting, and mirror work. The building process of this heritage took 18 years to conclude. The traditional ambiance of Boroujedi House has been preserved properly. This monument is more than 135 years old and has been registered in the Iranian National Heritage Sites list. The best time to visit this historic residence is from 9 am to 4 pm.

How to get to Kashan

There are several options to get to Kashan such as public transportation, rental cars, and taxis. If you are interested in traveling by public transportation, you can take a bus ticket to Kashan from a bus terminal all over the country. Moreover, hiring a car assists you in being independent during your trip to Iran. However, you have the opportunity to hire a self-drive car, but you can benefit from a chauffeur-drive service as well. Renting a car in Iran is budget-friendly and petrol is also very cheap (each 15-liter Benzin costs around 1$).

Accommodation in Kashan

There is a wide range of accommodation options offered in Kashan from Traditional Boutique Hotels to Modern Hotels and Guest Houses. Here are some noteworthy Hotels and Boutique Hotels in Kashan:

Hotels

There is a variety of options for you to suit your budget while choosing an accommodation type in Kashan ranging from Modern Hotels to Traditional Guest Houses or Boutique Hotels. A few Modern Hotels are noted here:

• Negarestan 4-star Hotel
• Amir Kabir 3-star Hotel
• Venda 3-star Hotel
• Khaneh Rose 2-star Hotel

Most of these hotels are situated in the heart of Kashan with suitable amenities and are known as common options for both leisure and business trips.

Boutique Hotels

Some of the Traditional Private Houses of Kashan have changed their utilization into accommodations and formed boutique hotels. In contrast with hotels in Kashan, traditional houses are significantly advised by travelers on travel blogs. There are endless Traditional Guest Houses in Kashan. These are some of the renowned ones:

• Saraye Ameriha Boutique Hotel
• Khaneh Memaar Boutique Hotel
• Manouchehri House Boutique Hotel
• Noghli Historical House
• Emarat Kohan Historical House

These specific art pieces in Kashan mostly feature a rooftop terrace, a courtyard garden, and a friendly atmosphere. You can usually have free cups of tea in their teahouse.

Souvenirs and Handicrafts

The souvenir of Kashan reflects its unique heritage and pure history. What you can take back from Kashan with you as a souvenir is divided into edibles and handicrafts. In the following, we will mention some edibles:

• Rosewater and other Herbal Essences.
• Traditional Baklava of Kashan
• Haji Badam (sweet cookie balls)
• Cotton Candy of Kashan
• Abbasali Sweet Bread

Handicrafts of Kashan are the most popular souvenirs of Iran according to visitors' points of interest. The top Handicrafts of Kashan are

• Persian Carpet
• Traditional Textile
• Traditional Pottery
• Copper Vessels
• Ceramics

Last Words

Cultural richness, the hospitality of local people, and its picturesque landscapes have made Kashan a remarkable destination for anyone who travels to Iran. When you hit the road to south Iran, Kashan is undoubtedly worth spending some time on. Having a cup of tea and seizing your moments on a rooftop traditional teahouse will differentiate your trip. The spectacular moments of your trip to this majestic monument will influence you to quote it everywhere. To sum up, Kashan is always pleased to host travelers from all over the globe, so explore beyond Kashan and enjoy discovering its hidden gems.

FAQ

How far is Kashan from Tehran?

Kashan is located in Isfahan province which is 250 kilometers far from Tehran. You need to get to the freeway 7s and drive 2 hours and a half to arrive there.

What are the tastiest local cuisines of Kashan?

The most delicious local foods of Kashan are Goosht Loubia, Shefteh Anar, Shefteh Bademjan, Abgooshte Beh, and Koofteh Ab Somaq.

Is it safe to visit Kashan?

Kashan is known as a tourist-friendly destination in Iran. Hospitable locals host you with all their pleasure.

How much time can I spend in Kashan?

If you are going to visit the entire Kashan and its urban attractions, you need at least 2 days to spend.