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Iran Underground City, Nushabad is a remarkable example of ancient engineering and design, offering a glimpse into the clever solutions created by its inhabitants centuries ago. Located near the city of Kashan in Iran, this special underground structure, also known as Ouyi, was built during the Sassanian era around 1,500 years ago.
The city has a complex network of tunnels, rooms, and strategic defensive features, carefully made to provide protection against invasions and attacks. As people explore this hidden maze, they are transported to a time when communities lived beneath the earth’s surface. The underground city varies in depth from 4 to 18 meters, with three different levels connected by vertical shafts.
Each family had their own private room, with tunnels running between them like hallways in a hotel. The clever ventilation system, using vertical ducts and air canals, made sure there was a constant flow of cool, fresh air even in the hot summer months. The residents also made clever defensive measures, such as deep holes covered by rotating stones that would trap anyone who didn’t know about them. This underground town offered a safe place during times of conflict, allowing the people to hide and even surprise their enemies through the winding passages.
Iran Underground City History
The underground city of Noushabad or Noosh Abad, also known as Ouyi, has a very long history that goes back many years. According to experts who have studied it, this large and important underground complex was first built during the Sasanian Empire era, around 1500 years ago. However, people continued to use and expand the city even after that time, with evidence showing it was occupied during the Seljuk, Safavid, and even Qajar dynasties that came later in history.
The fact that the Noosh Abad was used for such a long time shows how important it was for the people who lived there and how well it was designed. As a safe place to hide from both the harsh environment and enemy attacks, the network of tunnels and rooms underground provided protection for the local population during times of trouble and frequent attacks by other groups. The city’s complicated layout, with special features like hidden traps and rotating stones, allowed the people living there to defend themselves against invaders who tried to get in, from the Arab armies that conquered the area to the Mongol warriors who attacked later on.
The fact that the Noushabad underground city has lasted so long is a testament to the skill and determination of the ancient builders who created it. This amazing example of architecture, with its multi-level design and advanced systems to bring in fresh air, continues to amaze visitors today and shows how clever the Sasanian and later civilizations were at engineering and building things.
Iran Underground City Architecture
The underground city of Noushabad, also known as Ouyi, has a special combination of features that make it both safe and useful for the people who lived there. The city’s layout is very interesting. It has a network of small paths, stairways, and connected rooms spread across three different levels. This design allowed the people to live and work underground for a long time without having to go outside, providing a safe place to hide during times of war and invasion.
Getting into the underground town was not easy. There were many hidden entrances, ranging from 4 to 18 meters deep. Some of these entrances were hidden inside people’s homes, while others were located in public areas like the main fortress outside the city.
The underground rooms themselves are very impressive, with arched ceilings and supporting pillars carved from soft limestone rock. To light the dark and winding corridors and rooms, the builders cleverly installed lamps that burned fat set into recesses in the walls.
One of the most amazing features of Noushabad’s underground city is its ventilation system. The clever design of air ducts and a network of paths that go up and down ensure that fresh air is always available, even in the deepest parts of the complex. Additionally, the city’s many underground wells and channels provided a reliable water supply for the people who lived there.
The architectural brilliance and strategic planning evident in Noushabad’s underground city are a testament to the skill and determination of its ancient builders. This remarkable underground marvel continues to amaze visitors and inspire awe for the engineering prowess of ancient Persia.
How to Get to Iran Underground City
Visiting the amazing Noushabad Underground City is one of the best things to do in Kashan. Here are two easy ways to get to this ancient wonder:
By Car
If you are driving, go to Imam Khomeini Street in Kashan. Once you find this big street, turn onto Shahid Maelian Alley. From there, take the second left turn into a smaller alley, and this will lead you straight to the entrance of the Underground City.
By Bus
For those taking the bus, there are several bus routes that go near the Underground City. Look for buses that travel along Moalem Boulevard. Get off at the bus stop near Yadollahi Alley, and after crossing Niayesh Street, you will see the Underground City on the opposite side.
Recommended Sightseeing Time of Iran Underground City
Springtime is a great season to visit the Underground City of Nushabad in Iran. From late March through May, the weather is perfect for exploring this amazing underground marvel without feeling too hot or too cold.
The autumn months, from September through November, are another ideal time to visit the Underground City of Nushabad. During fall, the weather is cool and comfortable, making it a refreshing escape from the heat of summer above ground.
Working Hours of Iran Underground City
the Underground City of Nushabad appears to be open during typical daytime hours, possibly from around 9 am to 4 pm.
Visitors are advised to allocate 1-2 hours for exploring the site and to start their visit early in the morning, especially during the hotter summer months.
Where to Eat Near Iran Underground City
After exploring the amazing Underground City of Nooshabad, you might feel very hungry. Don’t worry, there are several good places to eat nearby in the city of Kashan.
1001 Shab Fast Food
For a quick and easy meal, you can go to 1001 Shab Fast Food. This is a popular local restaurant known for its tasty and affordable food. They serve a variety of Persian fast food dishes, including delicious kebabs, flavorful stews, and freshly baked bread. Whether you want a big meal or just a small snack, 1001 Shab Fast Food is a great choice.
Anousheh Cafe
If you want a more relaxing dining experience, Anousheh Cafe is an excellent option. This charming cafe has a calm and peaceful atmosphere and a menu with a nice mix of Persian and international dishes. From fragrant rice dishes to delicious pastries and refreshing drinks, Anousheh Cafe is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the flavors of Kashan.
Padide Pizza and Sandwich
For those who want something more familiar, Padide Pizza and Sandwich is a must-visit. This popular restaurant serves delicious pizzas, sandwiches, and other Western-style foods, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whether you want a classic Margherita pizza or a hearty sandwich, Padide Pizza and Sandwich is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Where to Stay Near Iran Underground City
Manouchehri House Boutique Hotel
The Manouchehri House Boutique Hotel is a special place to stay in Kashan’s historic neighborhood. This beautifully restored old home combines traditional Persian architecture with modern comforts and luxury. When you enter the hotel, you’ll see a peaceful courtyard with a reflecting pool and gardens full of local fruit trees. The eight guest rooms are unique, each one showing the excellent craftsmanship of the past. It is one of the best Kashan hotels.
Amirza Traditional Hotel
If you want to experience true Iranian hospitality, the Amirza Traditional Hotel is a wonderful choice. Located in the heart of Kashan, this historic hotel allows you to immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The hotel’s traditional spaces and beautiful courtyard provide a peaceful oasis, while its proximity to Kashan’s historic sites and tourist attractions make it an ideal place to stay for exploring. With amenities such as free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and self-catering breakfast options, the Amirza Traditional Hotel ensures a comfortable and convenient stay for families and groups.
Saraye Ameriha Hotel
In the heart of Kashan, the Saraye Ameriha Hotel is a special place to stay. This boutique hotel is located in a beautifully restored 200-year-old traditional Persian mansion. It is a large property, with 85 rooms and 7 beautiful courtyards spread across 12,000 square meters. When you enter the hotel, you will feel like you have traveled back in time.
Other Attractions Near Iran Underground City
After visiting the amazing Underground City of Noushabad, there are many other interesting places to see nearby in the city of Kashan. Kashan is only a 20-minute drive away, and it has a lot of historical and cultural sites that make it a great place to visit after seeing the underground marvel.
Borujerdiha House
One place you should definitely see is the Borujerdiha House. This is a beautiful example of traditional Persian architecture. This well-preserved mansion was built in the 19th century and has intricate designs made of stucco, beautiful wall paintings, and a peaceful courtyard that makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time.
Tabatabaei House
Another impressive building is the Tabatabaei House, an old home that shows how fancy and artistic Iranian design can be. Its walls are covered in beautiful mirror-work, delicate tile designs, and intricate wood carvings. Visiting this house gives you a glimpse into the luxurious lives of Kashan’s wealthy families long ago.
Ameri House
If you’re interested in learning about the region’s history, the Ameri House is a fascinating place to visit. This grand complex used to be the home of a rich merchant, and it has a unique blend of Persian and European architectural styles. This shows the cultural exchange that happened along the Silk Road trade route.
Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse
No trip to Kashan is complete without seeing the Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse. This is a magnificent example of Iranian bathhouse architecture from the 16th century. Its beautiful domed ceilings, intricate tile designs, and clever heating system give you a glimpse into the ancient traditions of public bathing and socializing.
Agha Bozorg Mosque
Finally, the Agha Bozorg Mosque is a peaceful and spiritual place to visit. This historic mosque, built in the 18th century, has iconic minarets and a beautiful courtyard. It is a testament to the lasting legacy of Islamic architecture and a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the region’s rich cultural heritage.
FAQs about Iran Underground City
Q1: Which is the largest underground city in Iran?
A1: Nushabad is the biggest underground city in Iran.
Q2: Do people live in Nushabad?
A2: In the 2006 census, Nushabad had a population of 10,476 people living in 2,859 households. The next census in 2011 recorded 10,904 people in 3,266 households.
Q3: What are the underground cities in Persia?
A3: Historical underground cities in Persia include Samen, Nushabad, and Kariz. In Kish, an underground city called Hidden Pearl was built with roads connected 20 meters (66 feet) below the ground. Shops and restaurants are planned for this area.
Q4: Which underground city was discovered in Iran?
A4: Nushabad underground city was discovered in Iran.
Q5: What is the biggest underground city?
A5: The city of Derinkuyu is now known as the world’s largest underground city. Since this amazing discovery, the city of Derinkuyu, along with Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia above it, has become a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 278-foot-deep wonder attracts ethnologists, geologists, archaeologists, and tourists.
Last Words: Explore the Best of Iran Underground City with a Customized Tour
Nushabad is an underground city in Iran, near Kashan. Built about 1,500 years ago during the Sassanian era, it shows how clever ancient builders were. This city, also called Ouyi, has many tunnels, rooms, and protective features to keep people safe from invaders.
If you want to visit Iran and see its amazing Iran underground city, it’s best to go on a special tour designed just for you. At To Iran Tour, we’re experts in making sure your trip to Iran is awesome. We know that everyone is different, so we make sure our tours match what you want. From the moment you start planning until you get back home, we’re here to help you have the best experience in Iran.
Let us take you on an adventure through Iran underground city, making your trip as awesome as the places you’ll visit.
