Green and leafy Resht is a welcome break from the dry and dusty reaches of southern Iran. Located on the swell-side ridges of the Caucuses Mountains, it’s just a stone's throw from the pearly blue waters of the Caspian Sea. But the location doesn't just make it a great place to come a relax along the shore (although thousands do each year). It also makes it an important trading outpost between Asia and Europe (Russia and Iran) as it has been from the days of the old Silk Road. Today, the influx of foreign wealth and influence from this all has given rise to an interesting medley of buildings, though the whitewashed, colonial edifice of the Shahrdari and gardens of Kolah Farangi still stand out prominently amongst them all. Rasht tour guides will make it a point to treat you to the Guilan region’s unique cultural aspects, be it the local Gileki dialect and the famous torche kababs, or the aged homes of the Masouleh heritage village and Qal'eh Rudhkan just outside town.