Kandovan Village: Experience Life in Rocky Dwellings!
A Mesmerizing Journey Through Kandovan: Exploring the Enchanting Rockery Village
You really do not want to miss out visiting Kandovan Village while you are in Iran! This amazing rocky village is a must-see! Located near Tabriz, there is this place waiting to be listed as UNESCO world heritage site that you can enjoy visiting! It is worth to mention that in 2023, UNWTO included Kandovan Village in the list of the Best Tourist Villages in the World!
Kandovan village is one of the strangest places to visit in Iran and the only rock village in the world where people still live! The nature and green fields of the village, the river and spring of Kandovan, and the different lifestyle of Kandovan people have all drawn Iranian and non-Iranian tourists to this village.
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About Kandovan
The village of Kandovan is one of the three famous rock villages in the world near Tabriz and Esko. Two other villages are located in Turkey and America, which, unlike Kandovan, are completely deserted.
The unique rural texture and the shape and architecture of the stone houses of Kandovan, the age of several thousand years and its cool and mountainous weather are the reasons why Kandovan Tabriz, near the Sahand volcanic mountain, has reached the top of the list of the best old sights of Tabriz.
The image of a village that is imprinted in the minds of many is limited to mud or wooden houses next to farms and agricultural lands; of course, before they visit Kandovan village! Kandovan is one of the most amazing rock villages in the whole world.
Architecture of Kandovan village
The exceptional architecture of Kandovan (rock architecture) has kept the name of this village alive. In the Turkish language, the houses of this village are called “Qiyeh” which means “rock”. These conical houses are made of stone and volcanic ash, and the height of some of them reaches 40 meters.
Each of these stone cones are two to four story buildings. The first floor is where livestock and animals are kept, and the second and third floors are where families live, and the fourth floor is used as a warehouse or a place to store hay. These floors are connected by small stone stairs.
The houses of Kandovan village are built in the form of stairs and with a steep slope, just like Masuleh village. These houses are connected by alleys with stone steps.
One of the interesting features of these houses in Kandovan village is insulation against cold and heat. It means that the air inside the house is warm in winter and very cool in summer.
Inside Kandovan Houses
The main space of the rock houses of Kandovan village is used for receiving guests, living room and bedroom. Inside the walls of the house, there are niches/shelves (in the local language they are called “Raf”) where dishes and decorative items, lamps, mirrors, books and such items are placed.
In some houses, one or more stone platforms are carved, and they cover it with a carpet or rug and sleep on it like a bed. The living room is furnished with carpets and rugs. In the main space of the houses in Kandovan village, there is usually an oven-shaped pit dug in the ground, which is used both for baking bread and food and for heating the house.
Except for the oven that is built inside the main room of Kandovan village houses, some houses have a separate kitchen outside the main space and on the hillside. If you look in the main room, you will see a large and flat space carved into the wall. The locals use it to arrange bedding and clothes in it and draw a curtain in front of it.
Where to Stay in Kandovan Village
If you see the texture of the village and the nature of Kandovan, you will probably want to stay here for at least one night. If you decide to stay, you have three options:
- Staying in Local Houses and Eco-Residences: For those who want to experience the pleasure of a day of rural life they can try local houses and eco-residences. There are different options on eco-residences such as Tural, Dariush, Homa & Sahand that are popular amongst tourists.
- Camping in the Village: If you have the necessary facilities, you will experience a fun and memorable night by camping in the park near the village, but you should be aware that the nights in Kandovan are quite cool, even in summer, and you should bring warm clothes.
- Hotel Reservation: This option is suitable for those who want more facilities and a neater stay. Laleh Kandovan Hotel is the only hotel in Kandovan village that includes breakfast buffet, restaurant and coffee shop. This five-star hotel is built in the heart of the mountain following the style of the village, like rock houses, and of course, it has reasonable prices for accommodation.
Attractions in Kandovan Village
It is true that the architecture of the rock houses of the village are world famous and visiting them is a reason enough to visit the village, but there are still other places to see in Kandovan, such as the Kandovan river and its famous spring, “Hillevar” village, beautiful gardens and plains, etc. Spending time in them multiplies the pleasure of traveling to Kandovan.
Sahand Mountain Hillside
If you go to Kandovan in spring and summer, do not miss the nature around the village. In these seasons, the Sahand slope is very spectacular and full of colorful flowers and fresh lawns. So, seize the opportunity, leave the village for a few hours and enjoy Sahand nature.
The Main River of Kandovan Village
As soon as you enter the village, you will hear the sound of the Kandovan river. Nothing will make you feel better than relaxing by the river. The river is near the village and you can even go there on foot and have a lot of fun!
Kandovan Mineral Water Spring
The mineral water spring next to the village of Kandovan is another sight-seeing place of this village, which is very popular among the people of Tabriz. The water of this spring is very light and clear and seems to have healing power.
“Hillevar” Village
Hillevar is an inland village. Maybe that’s why they chose the name “Cunning” for it! (Hillevar means cunning in Persian!). The houses of this village, like Kandovan, are completely carved by hand (but underground) and have parts such as kitchen, room, storage, oven and animal pen.
According to the myths and stories, the same year that the Mongols attacked the people of Kandovan village, they left their homes and lives, and this village remained abandoned.
Location And How to Get There
Located in East Azerbaijan, 22 kilometers from Esko city and 62 kilometers from Tabriz city. You need to first get to Tabriz and then drive to Kandovan village it will take less than 2 hours.
The Best Time to Travel to Kandovan Village
Kandovan village has cool weather in spring and summer and cold and heavy rains in autumn and winter. Mid-Spring to the end of Summer is the best time to visit Kandovan village.
Final Words
You can experience life as it was lived thousands of years ago in Kandovan village by staying in the picturesque and rocky village. The area’s stunning natural beauty and the amazing stone houses in Kandovan village drive many tourists to come and visit this mysterious location and create unforgettable memories!
Frequent Q&A
What Is the Population in Kandovan Village?
less than 1,000 people still live here.
What Is the Language Spoken in Kandovan Village?
Kandovan village’s residents speak Azeri Turkish.
What Are the Occupations of The Kandovan Village Residents?
Kandovan village, like most other villages in Azerbaijan, is centered on gardening, dairy farming, and the manufacturing and sale of handmade products. Agriculture in Kandovan is not very prosperous.
