Rasht

Historical Iran Tourism Places in Rasht

1. Rasht Municipality Square

They built Rasht Municipality Square during the early reign of Reza Pahlavi (1926-1942). This complex includes the Municipality Palace, the Post Museum, and the old building of the Iran Hotel. This building and its clock tower are the symbols of the city.

Today this area is paved and no vehicles are allowed. Therefore, you can walk around peacefully and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere going on around. On the other hand, you can go shopping, and taste the local street food while enjoying the soft weather and the beauty of historic buildings around. This square has been on Iran’s National Heritage List since December 17, 1977.

2. Municipality Palace

They built Municipality Palace between 1908 and 1927 on the west side of Shahrdari Square. Its architecture is inspired by the architecture of St. Petersburg. The Armenian-German architect, Artem Sardaraf, who lived in Rasht was in charge. Since then, this building has been the municipality building of Rasht.

3. Iran Hotel

Iran Hotel belongs to the Pahlavi period. You can find it on the north side of the municipality Square. It occupies 1800 square meters. This building has been on Iran’s National Heritage List since March 16, 2000.

4. Rasht National Library

Rasht National Library is the first national library in Iran. You can see this building at the entrance of Alam al-Huda Street, next to the Rasht Municipality building. This collection started its work in 1935. And now has 150,000 volumes of printed books and 1750 volumes of manuscripts.

5. Post Office Mansion

One of the historical monuments of Municipality Square is the Post Office Mansion. This mansion is located on the north side of Shahrdari Square. It belongs to the first Pahlavi era. Its total area is 1930 square meters and has an L shape with 4 floors.
They built it between 1932 and 1934. This building has been on Iran’s National Heritage List since 2001.

6. Rasht Grand Bazaar

Rasht Traditional Bazaar includes the big square, the small square, the caravanserais, and so on. The architecture of the caravanserais and arches in Rasht Bazaar are among the attractions of this lovely bazaar. There are a variety of fresh local delicacies in the bazaar. On top of all, you can feel the smell of fresh fish and a variety of native vegetables all around.

7. Kolah Farangi Mansion

Kolah Farangi Mansion is a polygonal structure. The same thing creates a beautiful appearance and prevents the uniformity of its exterior. From the outside, it looks like the building has three floors, while from the inside it has four floors. Around the building, on the first and second floors, there are 18 wooden pillars that support the roof and balcony of the second floor. The room on top of this mansion is octagonal and has windows that give you a 360-view of the garden.

8. Emamzadeh Hashem

Emamzadeh Hashem is one of the most important attractions in Gilan province. It is close to Raht. You can see this shrine, at the highest point of a village with the same name. During the First World War and the uprising of Mirza Kuchak Khan Jangali, this monument suffered a lot of damage. However, they renovated the building. But the old texture of the shrine was lost. The complex has a bazaar, guest house, mosque, parking lot, park, library, and a clinic. All these facilities extend from the foot of the mountain to the summit.

9. Tomb of Mirza Kuchak Khan

Mirza Kuchak Khan Jangali, known as Sardar Jangal, is one of the prominent figures in the history of Iran. He died in 1922. You can find his tomb in the cemetery of Suleiman Darab. The architecture of this tomb was inspired by the architecture of Gilan province and Islamic architecture.

It occupies an area of ​​40 square meters with a height of 9 meters. To built this tomb, they mainly used bricks, tiles, pottery, and wood, which are all local materials. The combination of the tomb with the green space of the old trees around the building is fabulous.

10. The Tomb of Dana-ye Ali

The tomb of Dana Ali is the tomb of a well-known mystics of this city. The locals have a special devotion to this mystic and his tomb is one of the sights of Rasht. Dana-ye Ali’s tomb is only ​​92 square meters. Bricks and iron are the materials they used to construct the building. However, to decorate it, they have used marble stones and awesome tile works. The dome of the tomb is in the shape of a dervish hat. And in fact, its architecture is much like the dome of Sheikh Zahid Gilani, located on the outskirts of Lahijan.

11. Mosalla Square

Mosalla Square or Toshiba Square is one of the oldest squares in the city. In this big square, there is the Great Mosque of Rasht, Mosalla. They started building Mosalla in 1983 on a piece of land with an approximate area of ​​4 hectares and 10,000 square meters of infrastructure. Finally, it was ready and open to the public in 1991.

12. Abrishami Traditional House

You can find Traditional Abrishami House on the southeast side of Siqalan Square (Basij Square), at the end of Shaeri Alley. This house is one of the remnants of the Qajar period. Abrishami House belonged to the sheriff of Rasht during the reign of Nasser al-Din Shah. In 1940, Haj Mirza Ahmad Abrishami bought this house. Thus, from then on they called it Abrishami House. This house is built on a piece of land with an approximate area of ​​2,000 square meters and 650 square meters of infrastructure. The main building consists of 2 floors and each floor has 8 rooms.

This house has been on Iran’s National Heritage List since 2001.

13. Mirza Kuchak Khan Jangali’s House

Mirza Kuchak Khan Jangali’s house is located on Soheil Dabiri Street. Today it has become one of the sights of Rasht. They renovated this house in 2002 in the style of local architecture. The area of ​​this delightful wooden house is 300 square meters and consists of 2 floors. Each floor has four rooms, a porch, and two stairs on both sides of the house.

14. Alam al-Hoda Street

They built Alam al-Hoda Street in 1932 in order to develop and beautify the city. This street connects the squares of Municipality and Sabzeh Meydan, which are among the oldest squares of Rasht. Alam al-Hoda Street is paved and no cars are allowed. It is 275 meters long and 27 meters wide.

There are lots of elegant shopping stores along this street that you can enjoy either shopping or window shopping.

15. Lat Caravanserai

Lat Caravanserai, also known as Shah Abbasi Caravanserai, is one of the sights of Rasht, located 30 km south of the city. Although they did not find any inscription in the serai, according to the historical texts, this building dates back to the year 1830. The complex includes a square courtyard and seven rooms. The materials they used in the construction of the caravanserai are bricks and mortar.

16. Qadiri Traditional House

Qadiri House(Iran tourism places) is one of the surviving buildings from the Pahlavi era. It has a wooden structure. The exterior of Qadiri House is of pottery, and its doors and windows are of Russian wood. You can find Qadiri House on the eastern side of Sabzeh Meydan. This building is on Iran’s National Heritage List, as well.

17. Shahpour High School

Shahpour High School, which today operates under the name of Shahid Beheshti High School, belongs to the Qajar period. This school is the first high school in Gilan where there is an amphitheater, laboratory, and other facilities. This school has been on Iran’s National Heritage List since December 17, 1977. And today it is one of the sights of Rasht.

Museums to Visit in Rasht

1. Gilan Rural Heritage Museum

Gilan Rural Heritage Museum is one of the most attractive sights in Rasht. Because this museum is a great place to learn about the architecture, culture, lifestyle, local food, handicrafts, clothing, etc. of the locals.

There are 28 traditional houses in this museum. Anyway, you can also see other rural spaces such as paddy fields, chicken nests, etc. inside the complex. In short, Gilan Rural Heritage Museum will be an unforgettable experience for you.

2. Rasht Museum

Rasht Museum consists of two sections: anthropology and archeology. The anthropology section consists of reconstructed scenes from the life of the people and the native statue of Gilan. Meanwhile, the archeological section of the museum is dedicated to the archeological objects and artifacts discovered in different parts of Gilan, especially the Marlik Hills in Rudbar, Talesh, and Deylman, etc. Furthermore, there is an ancient cemetery and a collection of tombstones in this section.

Parks and Gardens to Visit in Rasht

1. Mohtasham Garden

The magnificent Mohtasham Garden dates back to the Qajar period. Today, they also call it the City Park. This garden hosts tourists and residents of Rasht. In addition to amenities and sports facilities, Kolah Farangi Mansion is also located in the heart of this beauty queen. Moreover, the Goharrood river, passing by the garden, has added more charm to this place.

2. Mellat Park

Mellat Park is one of the oldest gardens of Rasht. The locals call it Siah Bagh (Black Garden). The trees in this park are mainly old. After redesigning and reconstruction, they opened this garden in 2000, as Mellat Park. This park with its old trees has an area of ​​12 hectares. Above all, there are suitable amenities such as sports fields, prayer halls, and public sports facilities.

3. Sabzeh Meydan Park

For the first time during the reign of Muzaffar al-Din Shah (1853-1907), the ruler of Rasht began gardening and planting trees in this area. And he named it Sabzeh Meydan. This square is one of the most famous ones in Rasht. This nostalgic square host old, stout trees and pigeons that are always present in the green photographs of the square.

On non-rainy days, many people from the city gather in the square and spend their free time chatting and playing. This park with an area of ​​29,700 square meters has an attractive and lovely green space to enjoy.

Natural Attractions to Visit in and around Rasht

1. Saqalaksar Lake

Saqalaksar Lake is known as the cleanest lake in Iran. Therefore, with its beautiful and charming nature, this lake has won the hearts of many travelers. You can find it in a village 15 km south of Rasht. Next to this village, the Saqalaksar mud dam has created a lake in a forested area that attracts tourists from far and near. The height of the lake is 64 meters above sea level. It is about 600 meters long and 500 meters wide. The rainfall and surrounding springs supply the water of this lake.

2. Saravan Lake and Forest Park

Saravan Lake with its beautiful green scenery can create a different boating experience for you. Do not forget your camera while boating. Recording the beauties of Saravan Lagoon is one of the best moments of this tour.

After enjoying Saravan Lake, you can walk in the beautiful forests and enjoy the pristine nature around Saravan Lagoon. The roads of Saravan Forest Park are wide and you can drive through the forest. If you move to the east of the forest park, you will reach Sefidrood and Siahroud rivers. These rivers are suitable for a relaxing picnic.

3. Eynak (Glasses) Lagoon

Eynak Lagoon is the largest urban lagoon in Iran and Gilan province. They call it so because it looks like glasses in aerial photos. This wetland is one of the important tourist areas and places of interest in Rasht. Its circumference is 12 km and its water zone is 44 hectares. And finally, its coastal and land area is 163 hectares.

4. Saravan-Fooman Road

Saravan-Fooman road is one of the tourist places in Gilan province. This time, when going to the north of the country, before reaching Rasht, choose the left-hand road that goes to Fooman. Aside from the unparalleled greenery, if you reach this road in autumn or winter will be awesome. Especially if you get there in the early morning hours, you will experience a dream while you are wide awake. You can see the morning the fog sitting on the dull brown of the trees against the blue sky.

5. Anzali Lagoon

Anzali Lagoon is one of the natural and freshwater lagoons of the country. And it is one of the most beautiful water landscapes in the region. Perhaps Anzali Lagoon is mainly known for its lotus. This attractive plant spreads in this lagoon and creates a very fascinating view. Moreover, this lagoon is a hatching ground and a destination for rare and migratory birds.

6. Masouleh Historical City

Masouleh is a historical and touristic city that looks like a village. As you might know, it is popular for its outstanding stepped architecture. Masouleh is the first living historical city in the country, whose name is on Iran’s National Heritage List. The foggy atmosphere of Masouleh plus its heavenly nature, along with the historical and cultural effects of this city makes it an awesome destination.

Walking in the Masouleh traditional bazaar and buying delicious souvenirs and handicrafts are experiences that you will never forget.

7. Qaleh Roudkhan Castle

Qaleh Roudkhan Castle is a place that gives you the opportunity to experience both history and nature. A historic castle in the heart of nature that has experienced lots of ups and downs during different periods of time and yet stands still. Maybe if I tell you the number of stairs of Rudkhan Castle, you will hesitate to visit this spectacular monument. But if you just take a look at the photos of Rudkhan Castle no doubt you will climb up more than 1000 steps to get up there.

8. Asalem-Khalkhal Road

Starting this route from the city of Asalem, first, the winding roads covered with forest trees will be in front of you. Away from Asalem and after about an hour’s drive, you will be surrounded by lush plains and you will see amazing views. Perhaps this is why this road is known as one of the most beautiful roads in Iran. And they call it the most dreamy forest route in the country. This fabulous scenery will surprise you along its 70 km length.

9. Gisum Forest Park

In Gilan province, around Rasht, visiting Gisum Forest Park is one of the choices in hand. It is where you can drive through the soaring trees on the way to reach the shores of Gisum. It’s a blast to watch the point where the forest and the shores of the Caspian Sea get together.

Semnan