Varzaneh City of Women in White

With a population of about 1,350, the city spans over 800 hectares and is situated 1,475 meters above sea-level. Because of its proximity to desert, it has warm and dry climate that peaks during August-September.

The best months for traveling to Varzaneh are March, April, May, September and October.

The mausoleum of Shah Zein-ul-Abeddin, a descendent of Imam Sadiq (AS), is located one kilometer to the east of Varzaneh.

Custom

Since ancient times, all girls and women in Varzaneh have traditionally worn the white covering. This is attributed to different reasons, including the area’s pre-Islamic custom.

Sand Mounds

These sand mounds are located 10 kilometers to the southeast of Varzaneh. They are the nearest desert areas to Isfahan city. These mounds occupy an area of 17,395 hectares and extend up to 45 kilometers.

Camel riding, bicycling and air flights can be experienced there.

Artesian Water Well

These water wells usually have a depth of about 400 meters. Due to the presence of a confined artesian aquifer, the groundwater flows upwards through a well without the need for pumping.

The distance of these wells from Gavkhouni Wetland is 10 kilometers.

Gavkhouni Wetland

This is one of Iran’s 22 wetlands registered under the Ramsar International Convention in 1975.

The wetland, located 30 kilometers to the east of Varzaneh, is 1,470 meters from the sea level and occupies an area of about 470 square kilometers.

Many migratory birds, including flamingo, geese, ducks and eagles, flock to Gavkhouni Wetland every year. These birds prefer the Gavkhouni Wetland as their winter habitat and for reproduction.

Unfortunately, Gavkhouni has been endangered by shortage of water and an excessive inflow of environmental pollutants.

Historical and Cultural Works

Varzaneh’s Grand Mosque: This mosque was built on the remains of a fire temple dating back to the Sassanid era. However, the present structure of the mosque has been renovated in the Timurid era (about 581 years ago).

Old Bridge: This is one of the oldest bridges built on Zayandehroud River and dates back to the Safavid era. The brick bridge is 86 meters long and has a width of 6.5 meters and a height of 6 meters.

Shah Abbasi Caravansary: This is one of the 999 caravansaries built during the reign of Shah Abbas Safavi and shows the importance of Varzaneh as a communication link. Varzaneh was formerly located en route the Silk Road.

Rabbit Castle: This castle is located 60 kilometers to the east of Varzaneh and belongs to the Safavid era.

Qourtan Castle: This castle is located 12 kilometers to the west of Varzaneh in the historical village of Qourtan. It dates back to 1,000 years. The castle spans over 40,000 square meters and has 14 towers. It has three mosques and its architecture dates back to the early Islamic era.

Handicrafts of Varzaneh include fabric- and carpet-weaving.

People can visit Varzaneh via Isfahan, Shahreza, Naeen and Ardestan.

Other links:

Historical Palaces,Esfahan

 Esfahan or Half the world

Nice video: Esfehan city