An Invitation to Meet the Bride of the Desert

On the first day of traveling to Yazd, stay in the city, and enjoy the unique historical atmosphere of this charming bride of the desert. Preferably, spend the night in one of many charming hotels like Dad Hotel or the many old houses renovated to host guests like the Laleh Hotel or Moshir al-Mamalek Garden Hotel. Early in the morning before the sun gets too hot, go to the Towers of Silence. It is a circular, raised structure built by Zoroastrians. This is the place where they would expose the dead to scavenging birds so as to not pollute the earth with a dead body. It's better to take a taxi there.

Then take a taxi to the central part of the city and visit the Fire Temple of the Zoroastrians. The ancient burning fire makes the landmark really unique since it is mentioned that the fire has been consistently burning since 470 AD. The fire temple is said to be the only Iranian Zoroastrian fire temple housing Atash Bahram or Victorious Fire. Next, go to Amir Chakhmaq Complex which was built by the ruler of Yazd during the Timurid era. A spacious square was constructed ringed by a water reservoir, a house of dervishes, a school, a caravanserai, and an impressive mosque.

How to visit Yazd in one day

A magnificent wall with chambers (Tekyeh) was added later in the 19th century which had ceremonial purposes. Today, it stands as the emblem of Yazd. In the surrounding area, you can walk to a Zoorkhaneh (house of strength), the Water Museum, the Bazaar for shopping items like Termeh (a woven fabric produced in Yazd), and buy delicious sweets from Haji Khalifeh.
Afterward, you can walk towards the Grand Jameh Mosque which dates back to the 14th century. It is an example of fine Persian mosaics and excellent architecture. The dome is exquisitely yet simply designed, and its minarets are one the tallest in the country. The entrance gate is adorned with various motifs and calligraphy. It is also beautiful at night when it is lit up.

How to travel to Yazd

The UNESCO registered the Old City of Yazd is not to be missed. With its wind catchers or Badgirs poking out of a baked-brown labyrinth of lanes, the old city of Yazd emerges like a phoenix from the desert. Yazd's old city is one of the oldest towns on Earth, according to UNESCO, and is the perfect place to get a feel for the region's rich history. Just about everything in the old city is made from sun-dried mud bricks, and the resulting brown skyline is dominated by tall Badgir on almost every rooftop. With the area of 755 Hectares, the historic area makes the city of Yazd a unique masterpiece of old living civilization; it is a joy to walk around and imagine yourself living in those times. Around sunset, you should come back to the old city and enjoy it from the roof of the Yazd Art House.
Dowlat Abad Garden, another world heritage site is waiting for you. The old residence of Persian regent, Karim Khan Zand, this small pavilion is set amid UNESCO listed gardens was built about 1750. The interior of the pavilion is superb, with intricate latticework and exquisite stained-glass windows. It is also renowned for having Irans loftiest Windcatcher, standing over 33 m high, though this one was rebuilt after it collapsed in the 1960s.