Top attractions to visit in Kerman

The historical city of Kerman is the center of the vast Kerman Province located in the east of Iran with a diverse and four-season climate and several natural, historical, and cultural heritages like the Jiroft Culture legacies which have opened a new gate to the ancient world history and the poets and great literate men who lived in this land and created masterpieces of Persian literature.

Since most of the attractions of Kerman are located outside the city and shouldn’t be missed visiting, we highly suggest that you consider 2-3 nights of accommodation in Kerman so that you explore the wonderful attractions introduced below, with peace of mind.

1- Ganjali Khan Complex

Ganj Ali Khan was one of the most important rulers of Kerman during the Safavid Dynasty (16th – 17th century). The Ganjali Khan Complex which is located in the ancient part of Kerman was built under his command to develop the city. Today, this historical complex is the most amazing attraction inside the city of Kerman and consists of different monuments which were one day the main buildings of the city, including the Ganjali Khan Bazaar, the bathhouse, the mint, the caravanserai, and the mosque.

2- Shazdeh Garden (the prince garden)

With evergreen and aged trees, this lush garden is located at the heart of barrens around Kerman near Mahan town and is one of the nine wonderful Persian Gardens registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Shazdeh Garden was built during the Qajar Dynasty and today it is one of the most wonderful Persian Gardens. Whether you visit Shazdeh Garden in the middle of winter when trees are covered with snow or you visit it in spring when the garden is lush and young, this garden has its own charm during every season.

3- Shah Nematollah Vali Holy Shrine

Shah Nematollah Vali was an Iranian mystic and poet who travelled through Islamic countries and learnt philosophy of many masters. A Persian poem diwan is left from this great poet. Shah Nematollah died in 1431 and got buried in Mahan, a town located 37 kilometers away from Kerman. Shah Nematollah Holy Shrine is an architectural masterpiece with eye-catching ornaments and a memorable decent atmosphere, which is respected by Iranian espicially the locals of Mahan. The Shah Nematollah Vali Holy Shrine is characterized for its turquoise blue dome which is notable from afar among the trees and old alleys of mahan Town.

4- Arg-e Bam (Bam Citadel)

Known as the largest adobe building in the world, “Bam Citadel and its Cultural Landscape” is registered as a  . This citadel is located 195 kilometers away from Kerman and its antiquity dates back to the Achaemenid era and even beyond. Since this citadel was located on the route of the Silk Road and other trading roads, it was always a busy place during the centuries . Arg-e Bam consists of different parts including the residential zone, horse stables, barracks, and the governor’s residence. This precious masterpiece was badly damaged in result of the harsh earthquake which stuck the city of Bam in 2003, but today it has got restored.

5- Arg-e Rayen (Rayen Citadel)

With an ancient fortress, a high waterfall, and the 4500-meter-high Hezar Peak, the city of Rayen is a worth visiting attraction located 100 kilometers away from Kerman. Rayen Citadel (Rayen Castle) is a well-preserved monument that was inhabited from the Sassanid Era until 150 years ago and is the second biggest adobe monument in the world after the Bam Citadel. This citadel was an important trading center as it was located on the main trading routes and many swords, guns, and knife workshops were located inside it.

6- Lut Desert

The vast Lut Desert covering a big part of eastern Iran in Khorasan, Sistan-o Baluchistan and Kerman provinces is the biggest desert in Iran and Kerman is lucky enough to host the most amazing part of this magical desert named Shahdad Desert. Shahdad Desert is known for its mysterious rock formations (yardangs) named Kalouts in Persian, its magical starry night sky which leaves you speechless, and other wonders like Rood-e Shoor, Nebkas (desert jars), etc. Lut Desert is the first natural heritage in Iran which is registered by UNESCO.

7- Meymand Village

Meymand (Maymand, Meimand) is a rocky and dugout village and one of the primary habitats of man in Iran. This unique village is located in the province of Kerman in south-eastern Iran and 35 kilometers away from Shahr-e Babak town. The village is a UNESCO world heritage site and was awarded UNESCO’s 2005 Melina Mercouri prize. The unique architecture of Meymand VillageWhat makes Meymand Village a standout is its basic yet fabulous architecture, which includes natural and hand carved caves which were dug by men thousands of years ago. These ancient caves are still inhabited by locals of Meymand and the good news is that travelers also have the chance to spend a night in these caves.