Kashan: The Jewel of Persian Architecture and Desert Oasis

Nestled between Tehran and Isfahan, Kashan is a hidden gem of Persian culture. As one of Iran’s oldest cities with a history stretching back to Neolithic times (excavations confirm settlements dating back 7,000 years), Kashan today dazzles visitors with its perfectly preserved 19th-century merchant houses – considered the finest examples of Persian residential architecture.

Bazaar in Kashan
The vibrant bazaar of Kashan

Historic Merchant Houses – Persian Architectural Masterpieces

Kashan is renowned for its stunning 19th-century merchant residences that deserve a full day of exploration. The three most famous are:

  • Boroujerdi House – built in 1857 for a wealthy carpet merchant, famous for its magnificent dome decorated with paintings and stuccos
  • Tabatabai House (150,000 IRR) – considered a masterpiece of Persian architecture with ingenious ventilation and lighting systems
  • Abbasian House – the largest complex consisting of several interconnected buildings

These houses aren’t just architecture – they’re windows into a bygone lifestyle. Wealthy merchants built them with four distinct sections: biruni (public area), andaruni (private quarters), servants’ quarters, and beautiful gardens with pools. Don’t miss the iconic windcatchers (badgirs) on the roofs – ancient air conditioning systems!

Khaneh Tabatabiyeh in Kashan
The stunning interior of Tabatabai House

The Bazaar and Traditional Tea House

Spend your evening exploring Kashan’s traditional bazaar, one of Iran’s best preserved. Beneath its mosaic-adorned vaulted ceilings, you’ll discover:

  • Rosewater distilleries (Kashan is famous for rose cultivation)
  • Copperware workshops
  • Stalls selling traditional sweets
  • Small mosques and Quranic schools

After exploring, visit Hammam-e-Khan – a converted bathhouse turned teahouse. Lounge on soft cushions while trying local specialties like dizi (stew in clay pots) and enjoy aromatic shisha tobacco.

Beyond Kashan: Oases and Ancient Villages

Dedicate your second day to exploring the surrounding area. With incredibly cheap taxis in Iran (gas costs about $0.10/liter), you can hire an English-speaking driver-guide for just $20-30 per day.

Abyaneh - Kashan
The picturesque red village of Abyaneh

Must-See Nearby Attractions:

  • Fin Garden (Bagh-e Fin) (200,000 IRR) – A UNESCO-listed Persian garden with a Sassanid-era water system. This is where reformist prime minister Amir Kabir was assassinated in 1852.
  • Abyaneh (50,000 IRR) – The “red village” with mud-brick houses where women still wear traditional floral scarves. This 2,000-year-old village maintains a unique dialect.
  • Chak Chak Fire Temple – Zoroastrianism’s holiest Iranian site where legend says water droplets (chak chak) fall from the rock to commemorate a Persian princess’s escape from Arabs.
  • Niasar Castle – Scenic ruins atop a hill offering panoramic views.

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant to try regional specialties like kashki bademjan (eggplant with yogurt and meat) or gondi (chickpea meatballs).

Chak Chak
The mystical Chak Chak fire temple

Practical Tips:

  • Best time to visit: March-May and September-November (summer temperatures exceed 104°F/40°C)
  • Look for QR code signs in merchant houses – they often reveal fascinating details
  • Don’t leave without buying rosewater – Kashan’s signature product
  • Stay in a traditional guesthouse within an old merchant home for an unforgettable experience

Kashan is where time stands still. Wandering through its historic houses and narrow bazaar alleys, you’ll feel the authentic spirit of ancient Persia.