Begin this short tour of Yazd city at the famed Tower of Silence (Dakhma), and learn about an ancient Pre-Islamic tradition. This tower is a circular raised structure built by Zoroastrians for excarnation. Until the mid-1900s, the dead were transported to this tower where they were left to decompose and be devoured by birds. Zoroastrian tradition considers a deceased body to be “unclean” and this process of excarnation prevents contact with either fire or earth-both of which are considered to be sacred.

See a still-active Zoroastrian Fire Temple, where you can also see a flame that is believed to have been burning for the past 1,500 years. Its an important pilgrimage site for Zoroastrians in Iran. 

Continue on to the Amir Chakhmaq Square, and witness a very impressive Hussainiya-a congregation hall for Shia commemoration ceremonies. With three tiers of recessed alcoves, all perfectly proportioned, its façade is one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.

Proceed to see the Friday Mosque or the Jame Mosque of Yazd. From this mosque, you can enjoy views of other tallest minarets in the nearby vicinity. 

End this day at the beautiful Dowlat Abad Garden. Standing by the garden’s long reflecting pool, be shaded by ancient cypress trees. Enjoy sights of an 18th-century hexagonal pavilion with beautiful stained glass windows, tall wind towers, fruit trees and other ornamental plants and trees.