What to do in Kerman, Iran? Your Atractions Guide in Kerman

Overview of Kerman

Kerman is a city located in the southeast of Iran and is the capital of the Kerman Province. The city is known for its rich history, culture, traditions, and carpets. The city has many historical sites, mosques, bazaars, museums and parks that are worth visiting. Kerman is also famous for producing pistachios, which are exported to many countries.

Places to Visit in Kerman

1. Shahdad Desert

The Shahdad Desert is located 100 km west of Kerman and is one of the most beautiful deserts in Iran. This desert is famous for its unique kalouts, sand hills and the abandoned village of Kharanaq. At night, the sky is full of stars and the moon creating a peaceful and mystical atmosphere.

2. Ganjali Khan Complex

This complex is located in the center of Kerman and was built during the Safavid era. The complex has a bazaar, bathhouse, mosque, water reservoir, and a caravanserai. The architecture is impressive and represents the traditional Iranian style.

3. Jabalieh Dome

Jabalieh Dome is a mausoleum from the Ilkhanid era, located in the center of Kerman. The dome is made of brick and has intricate geometric designs. The interior is decorated with frescoes and calligraphy that represent the art of that era.

4. Shazdeh Garden

This garden is located in Mahan, 30 km from Kerman. It was built during the Qajar era and is one of the nine Iranian gardens that is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The garden has a symmetrical design, with fountains, water channels, and cypress trees.

5. Rayen Citadel

The Rayen Citadel is located 100 km south of Kerman and was built during the Sassanid era. The citadel has well-preserved defensive structures, a palace, a mosque, and a public bath. The architecture of this citadel is impressive and represents the traditional Iranian style.

6. Harandi Museum

The Harandi Museum is located in the center of Kerman and has a collection of art, archaeology, and history from the Kerman Province. The museum has a varied collection of ceramics, stone and bronze sculptures, manuscripts, and coins.

7. Moshtaqiyeh Dome

The Moshtaqiyeh Dome is a mausoleum from the Seljuk era, located in the center of Kerman. The dome has intricate stucco decorations and muqarnas that represent the art of that era.

8. Malek Mosque

The Malek Mosque is located in the center of Kerman and was built during the Qajar era. The mosque has a unique architecture, with a mix of Iranian and Indian styles. The interior is decorated with colorful tiles, frescoes, and calligraphy that represent the art of that era.

9. Jameh Mosque

The Jameh Mosque is located in the center of Kerman and was built during the Seljuk and Safavid era. The mosque has a mix of Iranian and Islamic architecture styles. The interior is decorated with colorful tiles, stuccos, and calligraphy that represent the art of that era.

10. Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine

The Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine is located in Mahan, 30 km from Kerman. The shrine is a mausoleum from the Safavid era and is a pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims. The architecture is impressive, with a mix of Iranian and Islamic styles. The interior is decorated with colorful tiles, stuccos, and calligraphy that represent the art of that era.

Places to Avoid in Kerman

1. Bam Citadel

The Bam Citadel is located 200 km from Kerman and was destroyed by an earthquake in 2003. Although it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, the site is still undergoing reconstruction and is not safe for tourists to visit.

2. Bagh-e Sangi

The Bagh-e Sangi is a park located in the center of Kerman. Unfortunately, it is not well-maintained and not worth visiting.

3. Kerman Bazaar

The Kerman Bazaar is not one of the major bazaars in Iran and is not worth visiting compared to other bazaars like the Grand Bazaar of Tehran, the Isfahan Bazaar, or the Shiraz Vakil Bazaar.

4. Kerman Carpet Museum

The Kerman Carpet Museum does not have a varied collection of carpets and is not worth visiting compared to other carpet museums in Iran.

5. Moshtaghieh Mansion

The Moshtaghieh Mansion is located in the center of Kerman and is not well-maintained. The mansion is not worth visiting compared to other traditional Iranian mansions like the Tabatabaei House in Kashan or the Abbasi House in Isfahan.

Overview about Kerman