Table of Contents
Explore the magical world of Kashan houses, each a fascinating piece of the city’s history. These aren’t just buildings; they’re like time machines, holding stories from the past. Walking through the historical city of Kashan feels like going back in time, where every street and house has a tale to tell.
These Kashan historical houses are more than just cool structures; they’re like windows into how people used to live. You’ll find pretty courtyards, colorful glass windows that catch the sunlight, and wooden doors with fancy carvings that tell stories of the olden days. Kashan’s historic houses aren’t just places to visit; they’re like living history books, inviting you to step into the past and experience the charm of ancient Persian life. Here are the top 10 Kashan houses:
Tabatabai House
The Tabatabai House is a special and famous traditional houses in Kashan. It’s considered the best among historical houses in Iran and attracts many tourists in Kashan. The house is known for its unique details and delicate design.
Built in 1250 AH during the Qajar period, it took about 10 years to finish. Seyyed Jafar Tabatabai, a wealthy Iranian carpet merchant, funded the project. The plastering used in the building was made to look like Iranian carpets, giving the architecture a clean and modern look.
Covering an area of 4730 square meters, the Tabatabai House has three main parts: the inside, the outside, and the staff area. Like other houses from the Qajar period, it follows an introverted and Islamic style, keeping the inside private. With 40 rooms, four courtyards, four cellars, three windbreaks, and two aqueducts, the house is a marvel of architecture.
The most beautiful part of the house is the royal area, a seven-door room with unique decorations. The front part has a mirror porch inspired by Persian carpet patterns, making it even more beautiful. The interior, where the Tabatabai family lived, is simpler, with a five-door room in the center and two courtyards on either side.
One interesting feature is the cellar under the house, benefiting from the yard pond’s moisture and maintaining a cooler temperature. In summer, this part of the house can be 15 to 20 degrees cooler than the surrounding area.
Borujerdi House
In the late 1200s, Seyyed Hassan Natanzi wanted to marry Seyyed Jafar Tabatabai’s daughter. Jafar, a big carpet seller living in the Tabatabai house, agreed but had a condition. He asked Hassan to build a house like his own for his daughter. Hassan agreed to this.
It took 7 years to make the inner courtyard and 11 years to finish the main hall. This house of Kashan shows the beauty of traditional Iranian architecture. The Borujerdi House is the most famous historical house in Iran, a popular tourist spot in Kashan, and a symbol of Iranian architecture.
A special part of the Boroujerdi House is the art by Sania Al-Molk and Kamal Al-Molk. These two famous Iranian artists created paintings and plasterwork in the mansion, seen as masterpieces of Iranian art. The house reflects Iran’s culture, history, and civilization. Even the paintings in the house are unique, made with oil paint and watercolor.
The Boroujerdi House is 1700 square meters, with outer and inner parts and three entrances. The main entrance is in the north, one in the south for special guests, and the third in the west for religious ceremonies.
Because Kashan is in a desert, buildings are designed to stay cool in summer and warm in winter. Boroujerdi House is made to let cool air into the cellars through roof windshields on hot days, creating a pleasant interior.
The main part of Boroujerdi House is the summer residence in front of the main entrance. It has a main hall, two rooms, two side aisles, a main indoor area, a royal space, and a hall. In the center is a dome with skylights and decorations. The walls have Russian-style paintings and special plasters arranged beautifully to catch everyone’s attention.
Abbasi House
The Abbasi Historical House is a beautiful example of Iranian architecture in Kashan, possibly one of the best Iranian-Islamic homes.
What makes the Abbasi house of Kashan so lovely, besides its many decorations, is its balanced design. If you look closely, you’ll see that all sides are perfectly balanced, showing great elegance in the design.
Built about 200 years ago, construction started in 1823 and finished 20 years later. The house is divided into two parts, inside and outside, with nested room designs. Interestingly, there are two different door handles with distinct sounds to tell if the person behind the door is a man or a woman.
The exterior has a mirror room, an indoor hall, three-door and five-door rooms, and a porch used when business guests visit. The most beautiful part of the house is in the mirror room.
The interior is where the main occupants lived, and it was entirely separate from other areas, and not accessible to guests. Upstairs, there’s a royal residence with interesting decorations, similar to the one below.
Kashan historical houses, like the Abbasi, are treasures of original Iranian architecture, attracting tourists from around the world. Every year, many visitors come to Kashan to explore these historic homes. You can plan your trip to Iran, including Kashan and its historical houses, by buying a tour through the To Iran tour website.
Ameri House
The Ameri House is a 5-star hotel and one of the largest Kashan historical houses. With 80 rooms surrounding a beautiful courtyard, it has a history dating back to the Zand dynasty. This residence provides a chance to experience the splendor of Iranian architecture, seamlessly blending luxury and heritage.
More than just a hotel, the Ameri House is an adventure. Its rooms are adorned with Persian carpets, vintage furniture, and intricate mirrorwork.
As you enter through the grand main doorway, you step into a world of magnificent architecture. If you’re traveling in a group, the Ameri House is an excellent choice for accommodation as it offers a perfect blend of historical charm and modern conveniences.
Manouchehri House
Manouchehri House is one of the special Kashan historical houses. Nowadays, people live in it, and it’s in Shahid Sabet Alley. The house has a nice courtyard and rooms that show off Iranian design.
Manouchehri House is decorated with things that tell the story of Kashan, from the front door to each room. If you’re interested in Iranian history and architecture, this house is a must-see. It has cool features like wind towers for fresh air and Persian carpets that make it look incredible.
Mahinestan Raheb House
Mahinestan Raheb House is like a time-traveling gem in Kashan. It’s one of Kashan historical houses with cool stuff like an entrance area, summer and winter porches, and a special wind tower. Now, it’s not just a place to crash; it’s a unique guesthouse experience.
Staying at Raheb House is more than finding a bed – it’s like stepping into a storybook. The courtyard is a cozy spot with real Iranian decorations. Every room, from the colorful rugs to the interesting wind towers, has its tale to tell, making it a hit among tourists exploring Kashan.
Akhavan Historical House
Akhavan Historical House of Kashan is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered, flying a bit under the radar compared to its more famous counterparts. This special place showcases the enduring charm of traditional houses in Iran. Its walls are like a canvas, featuring lovely paintings, detailed tilework, and eye-catching stucco patterns that tell a story of incredible craftsmanship.
Once you walk through the big front door, you’re greeted by a charming courtyard surrounded by rooms that take you back in time. The tall wind towers are like silent champions, proudly displaying the genius of Iranian architecture. If you’re into history or architecture, Akhavan House is a must-visit, offering a journey into Iran’s rich cultural past.
Razzaqian House
Picture this: a trip back in time to the Qajar era, and you’ll find yourself at the awesome Razzaqian House of Kashan. It’s like a big box of old stories, with cool spots inside and outside. There are two open spaces, one indoors and one outdoors, on both sides of the house. Right in the middle, there’s a fancy room fit for kings and queens.
But that’s not all! This place is like a fun playground. There’s a special spot for sunny days and something called windcatchers that bring in nice breezes. Imagine walking around, feeling the cool air from the windcatchers, and listening to the stories the house wants to share. It’s like being inside a really old picture, seeing how things were a long, long time ago.
Ehsan House
In Kashan, in Isfahan province, you’ll find the Ehsan Historical House from the Qajar era – a really cool spot among traditional houses in Iran. This two-story house of Kashan keeps things traditional, with a big courtyard in the middle and a rectangular pool, just like other homes in Kashan. The area around the pool has trees and nice green grounds, making it a peaceful place.
In the courtyard, there are benches where you can sit, chill, and chat with others. The Ehsan Traditional Home has 35 rooms, enough for 67 people, and each room has stuff like fridges, Western-style toilets, and bathrooms. This eco-friendly place offers free parking, Wi-Fi, a kitchen, and help from staff who speak different languages and guides to show you around.
The rooms have heaters and coolers to keep you comfy. Besides just staying there, you can check out cool things like a cinema, library, pottery studio, museum, and gallery inside the historical house. It’s also super close to the Grand Mosque and Kashan Bazaar, just a quick walk away, making this classic home a perfect base for exploring.
Sharifian House
Imagine wandering through Kashan historical houses, the Sharifian House – it’s like stepping into the past with its roots in the Qajar dynasty. This unique building takes you on a cool journey through time, especially with a beautiful pond right in the middle, all decked out with classic Persian designs that add a touch of magic.
The Sharifian House has two main parts: the inside part, kind of like a private sanctuary (andarooni), and the outside part (birooni). Inside, every nook and cranny tells stories from way back when.
What makes this house of Kashan even cooler is how it respects religious beliefs and traditions. They’ve cleverly split the place: the inside part is for women and servants, away from the eyes of guests. This respect for privacy and traditions is like a snapshot of Iranian life, where history and values mix smoothly. The Sharifian House isn’t just a fancy building; it’s a living picture of a time when every little thing meant a lot about where you came from and what you stood for.
FAQs about Kashan Houses
Q1: What is Kashan known for?
A1: Kashan is famous for making carpets, silk, and other fabrics. Nowadays, it has many carpet factories, and it’s a hub for making things like marble and copper. Kashan and nearby areas have about 400,000 people.
Q2: What is the architecture of Kashan?
A2: Kashan’s architecture is beautiful because it fits well with its surroundings. Mountains form a natural border on one side, and the desert is on the other. The city’s famous traditional buildings have developed over thousands of years to cope with the hot, dry summers of the desert.
Q3: What is the history of Kashan?
A3: Kashan’s history goes way back to the time of the Elamites (2700-539 BC). It was then taken over by the Achaemenids, followed by the Parthians and Sassanians. During the early Islamic period, Kashan became a hub for learning, arts, and trade. It was also a significant place for making ceramics, textiles, and carpets.
Q4: How old is the city of Kashan?
A4: Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, the civilization in the Sialk Hills of Kashan dates back 7,000 years.
Q5: What is the most beautiful house in Iran?
A5: Tabatabaei House stands out as one of the finest examples of historical homes in Kashan. It is more sophisticated and attractive than most others. Two centuries ago, the concept of a house and its grandeur were somewhat different from what we perceive today.
Last Words: Explore the Best of Kashan Houses with a Customized Tour
Kashan houses are like time machines telling stories from the past. Walk through the city, and each house has a tale. These places show how people lived long ago, with pretty courtyards, colorful windows, and wooden doors with carvings. Kashan’s historic houses are living history books, inviting you to experience ancient Persian life.
To truly immerse yourself in the rich history and architectural wonders of Kashan houses, opting for Customised tours is the key to unlocking an unforgettable experience. To Iran Tour takes pride in curating exceptional Iran Tours designed to showcase the best of the country, with a particular focus on the mesmerizing Kashan Houses.
Let To Iran Tour be your trusted companion in creating memories that last a lifetime. We are here to help you have a great experience in Iran, where every moment is crafted to reflect your travel aspirations and desires.