Rasht
Rasht is the capital of Gilan Province, located in the North of Iran. Rasht is located nearby Caspian Sea (25 km) and is a very popular destination among Iranian travelers who are interested in spending time in nature and green lands. The city is as well located nearby the Sefid River which ends up to the Anzali lagoon, and is surrounded by rice fields and tea plantation. The villages around Rasht are very famous for their wooden architecture. Rasht is also an important trade center for rice, tea, peanuts and silk. according to the last official census in Iran, the population of the city of Rasht is about 680,000.
Rasht History
Rasht history goes back to Sassanid period (3rd to 7th century), while the antiquity of Gilan area is thousand years older! Archeologists excavated some ancient hills in the province such as Tap-e Marlik or Amlash and etc. which proved how old this province is. Rasht was the birthplace of a revolutionary movement in 1915 which became famous as Jungle movement. The city was severely damaged during first and second world wars by Russians.
Rasht Climate
Rasht has a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and cool winters and there is a great deal of rain (about 1359 mm during a year) even during the driest month. At an average temperature of 24.7 °C, August is the hottest month of the year. The lowest average temperatures in the year occur in February, when it is around 7.1 °C.
What to see in Rasht and around it?
Cooking class
The traditional cuisine of Gilan province is well known in Iran and Rasht is the best place to try this Cuisine, therefore this city was designated as the creative city of gastronomy by UNESCO. Some famous food of that region are Mirza Ghasemi, Baghala Ghatoogh, Reshteh Khoshkar. Joining a cooking class in Rasht to taste and learn about Rsht cuisine is a must do in this city.
Gilan Rural Heritage Museum
It is an amazing complex where you can get familiar with Gilan province rural architecture and culture. Some of the houses are around 100 years’ old which have been transferred from different villages in the area and being placed in this museum.
Anzali Lagoon
Anzali Lagoon is located 55 kilometers away from Rasht nearby Bandar-e Anzali. Visitors ride a boat and move to the heart of the lagoon in order to see the fabulous lotus flowers and see different species of birds.
Masouleh Village
Masuleh is a lovely small village which is located 65 kilometers from Rasht. The village is famous for its marvelous mountainous view and its stepped architecture where the roof of one house is the courtyard of the upper house. No vehicle is allowed to enter this village.
Roodkhan Castle
Roodkhan Castle or Rudkhan Castle was built by Gilakis to protect the area against Arab invaders during the Sassanid Era. This stone made medieval fortress is located around Fooman town, which is 47 kilometers away from Rasht.