Atashgah (Zoroastrian Fire Temple of Isfahan)

Atashgah, the fire temple located on the top of the hill outside the center of Isfahan, is a Zoroastrian Temple. It is located on the western road of Isfahan, eight kilometers from the city. The fire temple is placed on a hill which is 105 meters higher than the road level. For this reason, when you reach the top of the hill you are faced by an amazing view over Isfahan. Also, an admirable landscape of groves and farms can be seen from up there.

The Zoroastrian Religion of Sassanid Empire

Zoroastrianism was the central pre-Islamic religion of Sassanid. The worshipful Zoroastrian fire temple, Atashgah, dates back to the Sassanid Empire. Yet, archeological researches clarify that the temple is a complex of several structures each belonging to a specific historical period.

The Ancient Castle with Its Deep History

The circular tower at the top of the Maras or Marbin hill is the signature monument of this place. This circular fire altar is five meters in diameter which is surrounded by a wall cut with eight windows. This structure had a tall dome to protect the fire. The building main material is mud-brick made with clay, lime and long stems of reeds. In some parts of the construction the thickness of the walls exceeds four meters. It was clarified that the whole area of the hill was covered by a five-storey huge building which the fifth and the forth storeys still remain. In the history book written by Ibne Rosteh Esfahani, it was stated that Atashgah was originally used as a castle. The name Marbin castle is related to the word Mehre meaning the sun which hints to the place where one can see the sun better. It can also relate to the word Mar meaning snake that can relate to the shape of the river crawling as if a serpent creeping on the ground.

Overview


Opening Hours


Location

Atashgah Fire Temple of Isfahan, Atashgah Blvd, Isfahan, Iran


Contact

(+98) –


Price

150000 Rls

Varzaneh Desert

Varzaneh Desert

Varzaneh Desert in southeastern Isfahan, the desert is located 100 km in the east of Isfahan.  Enjoying the pleasure of walking along the wetland, you can experience desert trails on dunes with an area of 1700 hectares. A city where all its streets go down to Zayanderud river.

Varzaneh Desert is the most accessible desert in Isfahan city, and the unsurpassed breadth of sand dunes in various shapes and sandy landscapes above the slopes of the sand is incontestable. It’s an ideal place for stargazing at night and much more that you will find out by yourself.

Special Species Residing in Varzaneh Desert

One of the most original natural landscapes of Varzaneh is the watery ecosystem with the dryland of Gavkhuni international wetland. Gavkhuni wetland is like a jewel in the central desert of Iran. Some special species of plants are able to grow there including soap root, salsola, reed and different species of tamarisk. Among the birds, are species of blackcock and bittern, as well as storks, herons, gulls, flamingos and ducks cover the wetland’s periphery. In the past, suitable grass coverage made the swamp a rich wildlife region and an important habitat for Persian zebra.

What Is Sand Therapy?

Sand therapy, walking on the sand dunes, cycling, riding an all- terrain vehicle (ATVs), off-roading, skiing on the sand and camel trekking are the tourism capacities of the desert. The beauty of the desert is tied to its boundless calmness and the silence that surrounds all the depths of human existence.

The City of White Dressed Angels

Unique to Varzaneh, are the local women’s costumes. They wear completely white chadors, while women in the rest of Iran, mostly wear black chadors. Many local people speak an ancient Pahlavi sasani dialect.

The other historical attractions of Varzaneh city include:

  • Gav chah
  • Asyab shotor
  • Karbafy workshop
  • Arg-e Ghurtan
  • Wetland Gavkhuni

Overview


Opening Hours

Daily Hours: 12 AM – 11:59 PM

Location

Varzaneh, Isfahan Province, Iran

Price

Free

Explore Varzaneh Desert on these Suggested Tours

Nazhvan Forest Park

This huge park on the outskirts of Esfahan encompasses a large complex of attractions that makes it pleasant The park includes of Birds Garden the Esfahan Aquarium a Sea Shell Museum Reptile House and a Butterfly Collection Each attraction is charged separately and there is no combined ticket. With a picnic, the wooded park makes a pleasant day’s outing, particularly in autumn when the leaves change color. Other attractions inside the park include a small chairlift over the river, horse-drawn carriages, a miniature train and a water park for kids. A Ladies Garden (8am to sunset) gives a bit of respite for women wanting to avoid unwanted attention, kiosks sell limited snacks, there’s a restaurant in the Birds Park and the grounds are serviced with clean toilet facilities.

(Source: lonelyplanet.com)

Overview

Opening Hours

From 21 March To 22 September: 8 AM – Sunset

From 23 September To 20 March: 8 AM – Sunset

Location

Olfat St. Sohrevardi Sq. Isfahan, Iran

Contact

(+98) 31 3784 0034

Price

Free

Explore Nazhvan Forest Park on these Suggested Tours

Isfahan Birds Garden

It was founded in 1998 by Isfahan Municipality. It is located in a garden which is about 55000 square meters, located in Najvan Park area, at bank of Zayandeh RoodRiver. The birds’ tent is about 17000 square meters. The tent is situated on 16 moveable pillars. The tent is 32 meters high and birds live under this huge tent.

It is one of the most beautiful places, which is visited by local citizens and domestic tourists. It is an ideal place for children to see birds, local birds and various birds brought from different countries. Natural environment has been provided for birds.

(Source: isfahan.ir)

Overview

Opening Hours

From 21 March To 22 September: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM

From 23 September To 20 March: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM

Closing Days in 2019

26 May
9 September
10 September

Location

Olfat St. Sohrevardi Sq. Isfahan, Iran

Contact

(+98) 31 3772 6869

Price

200,000 Rls