The Brick and Stone Caravanserais of Anjireh: Two World Heritage Sites Just 500 Meters Apart

Twin World Heritage Caravanserais of Ardakan

There are few places in the world where you can visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites less than 500 meters apart—but a trip to Ardakan County in Yazd Province offers just that opportunity. By visiting the“Stone Caravanserai”and the“Brick Caravanserai,”travelers can not only explore two remarkable heritage sites but also trace a chapter of Iran’s architectural history. Both caravanserais are located in a desert region known asAnjireh,along the historic route connecting the cities of Yazd and Tabas.
Thanks to its geographical location, Yazd Province was once a major crossroads for caravan routes. Consequently, numerous caravanserais were built across the region, many of which still stand today. In fact, six of Yazd’s caravanserais have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Stone Caravanserai: The Oldest Caravanserai in Yazd

The Stone Caravanserai dates back to the Ilkhanid period (1256–1356 CE), although some experts believe it is even older, suggesting it may originate from the 10th century CE (4th century AH). As its name implies, stone was the primary material used in its construction, though brick was also employed in some parts of the structure, including the entrance vestibule (hashti). The caravanserai features an irregular octagonal plan. Based on the remains, it appears that its function differed somewhat from that of typical caravanserais. It includes stables with two doors—one opening to the courtyard and the other to the main entrance. Although much of the roof has collapsed, recesses in the walls can still be identified, which once served as niches and fireplaces. This monument was inscribed on Iran’s National Heritage List in 1999 (1378 AH).

The Brick Caravanserai: A Comfortable Stop for Ancient Caravans

This caravanserai is newer than the Stone Caravanserai and dates back to the Qajar period (19th century). It was likely built after the older Stone Caravanserai lost its vitality and gradually deteriorated, serving as a new resting place for passing caravans. This shift in use contributed to the further neglect and decay of the earlier structure. As its name suggests, the caravanserai is constructed primarily of brick. Its architectural layout follows the traditional four-sided plan common to many Iranian caravanserais, featuring a central courtyard surrounded on all four sides by veranda-fronted rooms opening onto the courtyard.

The Brick Caravanserai: Structure and Architectural Features

The rooms of the Anjireh Brick Caravanserai are built about one meter above the courtyard level, and the verandas not only served as resting places for travelers but also as areas for displaying and trading goods. On all four corners of the building stand towers adorned with brick decorations. Because the caravanserai is located in a relatively flat area, these towers offered wide views of the surrounding landscape—where scattered mountains in the distance beautifully frame the horizon. In the past, torches were lit atop the towers at night to help caravans find their way to the inn. Technically, these towers also played an important structural role, reinforcing the building’s stability. Due to its distance from nearby settlements, a qanat (underground water channel) and a cistern were constructed to provide water, ensuring that travelers’ needs were met and making the caravanserai a comfortable and self-sufficient stopover. Thanks to restoration efforts in recent decades, the Anjireh Brick Caravanserai has remained largely intact. Its parallel corridors, featuring elegant brick vaults and archways, are among the most striking and beautiful architectural features of this historic site.

World Heritage Inscription of the Stone and Brick Caravanserais of Enghireh

At the 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Stone and Brick Caravanserais of Enghireh—along with 52 other caravanserais—were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the collective title “Iranian Caravanserais.”
This event took place on September 17, 2023 (26 Shahrivar 1402).