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Kariz Underground City shows the cleverness of ancient Iranian builders in Kish Island. At first, it was made as an important water system in the dry land, but these aqueducts turned into a beautiful piece of architecture over time. This underground city is carved from coral, keeping it cool all year round, and it has flowing sweet water, making it a refuge in the dry climate.
The structure also has ancient fossils, adding a touch of history to its impressive design. With a depth of about 12 meters and a height of 8 meters, this underground city is one of Iran’s most interesting places to visit.
The Kariz Underground City includes a large network of 3 aqueducts and 274 wells. Some wells are still whole, while others are shaped like cones to improve airflow and lighting. These old aqueducts, over 2500 years old, still provide fresh drinking water to the island’s people, showing how well they were built. Today, there are also places for fun and facilities for visitors to see the historical and practical importance of this amazing underground city.
Kariz Underground City History
Kariz, which means aqueduct in Farsi, shows a skill and knowledge that goes back 6000 years, starting in Iran. This old way of carving aqueducts is proof of Iranian creativity. Many years ago, Kariz-e Kish was almost destroyed and forgotten until Engineer Haji Hosseini, an Iranian living in Germany, decided to come back to Iran after 32 years. He wanted to restore this historic site and used his own money to fund the project. He planned the work in three steps. Because of his hard work, the forgotten Kariz-e Kish became a popular place for tourists to visit.
Above the underground complex, traditional restaurants, a small bazaar, and a museum were built to make the visit more enjoyable. The workers at this site believe it can become famous worldwide. They have two main reasons for thinking this way: first, it is located in the middle of one of the most well-known islands in the Persian Gulf. Second, it is the only man-made structure that uses natural coral and shells. The mix of history, culture, and natural beauty makes Kariz Underground City a very interesting place to visit.
Kariz Underground City Facts
The Kariz aqueduct stands out in Kish Island for its impressive height of up to forty-five meters. It’s celebrated globally as one of the most important ancient sites. What makes it special are its coral formations, freshwater channels, naturally cool air, and ceilings decorated with fossils and shells. These features not only showcase the cleverness of ancient Iranian builders but also the rich natural history found within its walls.
In the past, besides supplying water to locals, Kariz served as a lively marketplace. Ships sailing the Persian Gulf would stop here to buy water and trade spices and clothes. Today, Kariz has transformed into a vast underground city spanning over 10,000 square meters. It now offers a variety of attractions like craft booths displaying local and international arts, both traditional and modern dining options, a conference hall, an amphitheater, and an art gallery. Kariz Underground City continues to grow, blending its historical importance with modern-day uses.
How to Get to Kariz Underground City
If you’re driving, finding Kariz Underground City in Kish Island is easy. From Olympic Square, go west on Mirmohana Boulevard. Look to your right and you’ll see Kariz-e Kish. The drive takes you through lively streets and past local landmarks, giving you a taste of the island’s bustling atmosphere.
Alternatively, from Ghadir Square, head east on Mirmohana Boulevard. Keep going until you reach Kariz-e Kish on your left side. This route offers scenic views and a glimpse into daily life on the island, making your journey to this historic underground site both pleasant and picturesque. Whether you go west or east, you’ll find yourself at Kariz Underground City, ready to explore its blend of history, culture, and natural wonders.
Recommended Sightseeing Time of Kariz Underground City
Kariz Underground City in Kish Island is special because it stays cool all year round. That means you can visit any time without worrying about the weather. Whether it’s hot outside in summer or chilly in winter, Kariz offers a comfortable place to explore. Its underground tunnels and rooms keep a nice temperature, so you can enjoy discovering its history and beauty whenever you decide to go.
Working Hours of Kariz Underground City
Kariz Underground City is open every day from 9 AM to 10 PM. This gives you plenty of time to visit and enjoy its cool tunnels and fascinating history. Whether you like to start your day early or prefer exploring in the evening, Kariz is open to accommodate you. You can see ancient aqueducts, fossils, and natural coral formations at your own pace during these hours.
Where to Eat Near Kariz Underground City
Koohe Noor Restaurant
If you’re looking for a special place to eat after visiting Kariz Underground City, you should try Koohe Noor Restaurant. It’s on top of a big hill that’s 30 meters high. This restaurant is not just about food – it’s about having a fun time. Inside, it looks like you’re in a cave with rocks all around. At night, they use pretty lights to make it look like a magical place. You can eat lots of different foods here, like Iranian dishes, foods from other countries, and yummy seafood. While you eat, you can listen to people playing music and look at the beautiful views of Kish Island.
The restaurant is really big – 600 square meters! On the very top floor, there’s a coffee shop that’s 120 square meters. It’s a nice place to sit and enjoy looking at the island if you don’t want a big meal.
Royal Star Restaurant
The other place is the Royal Star Restaurant. People say it looks really nice inside, the food is very tasty, and the people who work there are very kind. If you want to eat near the beach, you can go to Marjan Beach. It’s a pretty place by the sea, and there are coffee shops and restaurants nearby. You can have your food while looking at the ocean. All these different restaurants mean that no matter what kind of food you like, you can find something good to eat after you explore Kariz Underground City.
Where to Stay Near Kariz Underground City
If you want to stay somewhere really nice near Kariz-e Kish, Kish Island has some great places to choose from.
Dariush Grand Hotel
One of the best hotels in Kish Island is probably the 5-star Dariush Grand Hotel. This hotel looks like a big, beautiful palace from old times in Iran. It’s right next to the Persian Gulf, which is a big sea. When you stay at Dariush Grand Hotel, you don’t just get a fancy room. You get to feel like you’re living in a special place that shows off Iran’s old and interesting history. The hotel has all the new, fancy things you might want, but it also looks like something from long ago.
Toranj Marine Hotel
If you want to try another fancy hotel, you could stay at Toranj Marine Hotel. This hotel is extra special because it has rooms that are built over the water. This means you can sleep in a room where you can see and hear the water of the Persian Gulf all around you. It’s like sleeping on a boat, but much more comfortable! No matter which of these hotels you pick – the big, palace-like Dariush Grand, the nice Shaygan, or the over-water rooms at Toranj – you’ll have a really good place to sleep after you visit Kariz-e Kish.
Other Attractions Near Kariz Underground City
Near Kariz Underground City in Kish Island, you’ll find several interesting places to visit.
Ancient Town of Harireh
One of them is the Ancient Town of Harireh, which has a lot of history and stories. It used to be a busy port city long ago, and now you can see its old ruins and artifacts, giving you a peek into Kish’s past.
Dolphin Park Complex
If you’re looking for fun and learning, check out the Dolphin Park Complex. It’s a place where you can see playful dolphins and other sea creatures. They have shows with dolphins, and activities to do, and you can also learn about protecting marine life. Families and nature lovers enjoy spending time here.
FAQs about Kariz Underground City
Q1: How big is Kish?
A1: Kish is an island located in the Persian Gulf, about 12 miles away from the mainland of Iran. It has an area of around 35 square miles, with an outer edge that is about 25 miles long. The island has a shape that is close to an ellipse.
Q2: Can Americans go to Kish?
A2: All tourists can stay in Kish Island or Qeshm Island for up to 14 days without needing a visa. People from the United States (not including Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam), Canada, and the UK only need to have a certified guide waiting for them when they arrive, they don’t need a visa.
Q3: Why is Kish Island famous?
A3: Kish Island is located in the Persian Gulf, south of Iran. It is a famous tourist destination with modern facilities for both leisure and business activities. As a free trade zone, people from most countries can travel to Kish without needing a visa.
Q4: Can you drink alcohol in Kish Island?
A4: You are not allowed to drink alcohol in Iran.
Q5: Which is the largest underground city in Iran?
A5: The underground city of Ouyi (also called Noushabad) is located about 3 miles north of the city of Kashan, in the Isfahan province. It is considered an impressive example of ancient architecture. Since Noushabad is in the central desert region of Iran, the city experiences very harsh weather conditions.
Last Words: Discover the Best of Kariz Underground City with a Customized Tour
The Kariz Underground City in Kish Island shows how clever the ancient Iranian builders were. At first, it was made as an important water system for the dry land. But over time, these underground water channels turned into beautiful piece of architecture.
If you want to reserve the fascinating Kariz Underground City tour and experience the rich history and culture of Iran, a customized tour is the best way to go. That’s where To Iran Tour can help. As a leading provider of Iran tours and travel packages, we are dedicated to creating unforgettable journeys tailored to your unique needs. Our team of experienced travel experts will work closely with you to design an itinerary that showcases the best of the Kariz Underground City tour and other top attractions in Iran.
So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey that will leave you amazed and inspired, reach out to us at To Iran Tour.
