Kashan was a stop on my trip to Iran.
I had to speed up my journey to Tehran, then Tabriz and Kandovan to eventually cross into Iraqi Kurdistan, because I spent (and do not regret) more than I originally planned on Shiraz and Hormuz Island. . I finally decided to keep Kashan on my list (and set Qom aside) and consider it a 1.5-day stop between Isfahan and Tehran. An oasis-like city on the edge of the desert plain, it’s definitely worth a stop here after a very short stay and doing a search.
Kashan was incredibly crowded when I visited. Not because it’s April or peak season, but because it’s Friday and (I believe) it’s an imam’s birthday. Despite this fact, I saw almost no foreign tourists in Kashan — they were actually local day travelers from Tehran.
If you’re worried about overcrowding, I’d suggest avoiding Fridays or the holidays, but for many Iranians who enjoy traveling in their country or enjoying the crowds, a weekend trip might be a good idea if a weekend trip isn’t important to you.
Things to do in Kashan
Visit the historical houses of Kashan
Kashan historical houses are one of the main attractions of this city. In the 18th and 19th centuries, several large houses with intricate decorations were built in Kashan. Many have since left to house several families, but only a few of these traditional homes remain open to the public as they once were.
Tabatabai House
It is best to see Tabatabai’s house in the afternoon, when the light is shimmering and colorful patterns are shining on the walls and white floors from its famous stained glass windows.
You will visit Tabatabai House, Abbasid House and Sultan Mir Ahmed Hamam on a combined ticket (it will be cheaper if you plan to visit all three). When you buy your ticket from three sites on the first site, it is enough to tell the cashier that you want to buy a combined ticket.
Abbasid House
Abbasid House has become my personal favorite among Kashan’s historical houses because of its large and intricate colored glasswork and beautiful courtyards.
Burujerdi House
The dream of symmetry lovers, the Bojardi house impresses with its painted ceilings. You will see similarities between Bojardi House and Tabatabai House because both were originally designed by an architect.
Hamam Sultan Mir Ahmed
Over 500 years old, this Persian bath showcases Kashani’s beautiful architecture. The interior of Sultan Mir Ahmed’s bath is divided into a hammam hall and a ceilinged dressing room, the walls of which are decorated with intricate paintings and tiles. Continue on the roof for views of the city and the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Great Aga Mosque
Ulu Ağa Mosque, built in the 18th century, is one of the prominent structures of Kashan. When you enter through the entrance gates, you will first see the beautiful sunken courtyard under the domed mosque.
Ağa Bozorg Mosque is particularly striking because of its symmetry. While visiting the mosque, don’t miss Khajeh Tajuddin (Kutb Kashani’s tomb). Qutb Kashani was one of the famous mystics of the Qajar era.
Note that women entering the Ağa Bozorg Mosque will be given a chador on your clothes (in the photo below, I will wear a chador at the Ağa Bozorg Mosque).
Kashan Bazaar
Kashan Bazaar is definitely worth a visit because it is one of the best in Iran in terms of grandeur and is not as crowded as the markets of Tehran, Shiraz and Isfahan.
Finnish Garden
To be honest, I kind of regret not going to Fina Garden, especially now that I’m back home and looking at the photos. The architecture of the gardens alone is worth seeing.
(If you’re wondering why I’m traveling — it’s because my time is up and I have a small garden after Kirman, Shiraz and Isfahan).
Works at Kashan
Honestly, I haven’t had time to visit these surrounding attractions outside Kashan, but my Iranian friends in Shiraz and Kerman highly recommend it.
ابیانه
Located at the foot of Mount Karkasem, Abyaneh is known as the Red Village because of its reddish stone buildings and is one of the oldest settlements in Iran.
Villagers still speak the dialect of Middle Persian, which dates back to the Sassanid Empire that ruled Iran from 224 to 651 AD, and many of the residents still retain their traditional wardrobes.
Tomb of Hilal Ibn Ali in Aran and Bidgol
Hilal Ibn Ali Tomb is a magnificent tomb located in Aran and Bidgöl districts, 15 km from Keşan. Hilal bin Ali was one of Ali’s sons and is believed to be buried here.
Take a desert tour
If you don’t have enough time in Iran, a desert tour from Kashan can be a great way to experience the Iranian desert without traveling too far from Tehran.
Accommodation in Kashan
I was staying at Şirin Hotel and Yurt (dorm) during my trip to Kashan and I have no complaints as it is just around the corner from Ağa Bozorg Mosque and a short walk from historical houses.
Other high-end budget options are Kamal al-Mulk House and Shadow House. A great mid-range option is the Kasian Kashan Hotel. If you are looking for a stroller, try Ameri Boutique Hotel.
Arrival and departure in Kashan
Kashan is about three and a half hours away by bus to the south of Tehran, which has many round trips during the day. Several buses travel about an hour and a half to Qom and about two and a half hours to Isfahan.
If you like to plan ahead, you can book your bus ticket at 1stQuest. There are also four trains a day between Kashan and Tehran, but it takes more than three and a half hours by bus.
Do you need travel insurance for Iran?
Start shopping plans from 1.Quest as most travel insurance providers no longer cover trips in Iran.
Source: IranAmaze
