Kashan is presented as one of the cities where the main tourist attractions are easily accessible, all situated at a walking distance from the city center, that gather most of the attraction, except Bagh-e Fin located about six kilometers away from the center .
The Historical Houses – locally called Khan-e – are houses that belonged to wealthy families, often merchants. In terms of architecture this houses follow the traditional type of construction, brick masonry, covered with clay plaster that contributes to a uniform brownish tone, similar to the landscape that surrounds the city. With two or more floors, placed around a yard, always with a fountain or a small pool at the center, showing the importance of water in this dry climate.
According to the wealth of the owner, these houses can resemble palaces, not only by size, with more than a yard, as by the detail and complex ornamentation that covered the walls and ceilings. Among the various options in Kashan, with almost all the khan-e and located along the Alavi Street, or nearby, the choice was the Abbasin House, built in the late 18th century and is in good condition, whose geometric and floral motifs that decorate the walls, as well as the harmonious proportions of the various buildings, confer a special grace and lightness.
The Bagh-e Fin, is one of the oldest examples of the traditional Persian gardens, built in the late 16th century, whose structure is very similar to other gardens built under the Mongol domination, after they have invaded Persia, existing in northern India, which Taj Mahal is the most popular example, as also many more in Kashmir.
Architecturally these gardens have a rectangular shape, orthogonally divided into four parts, by narrow water channels that intersect in a quadrangular shape pool. Along these channels, sidewalks are bordered by planted shrubs, flowers and trees in an alignment that enhances the precise and harmonious geometry of space, which is always wide, sober and minimalist, inviting to meditation and introspection.
At the opposite side of the entrance is located the main house, were the ceilings are decorated with elaborate floral and geometric motifs; but may exist other buildings, porches or covers that offer a place to relax, enjoying the freshness inspired by the sound of water coming out of the fountains, showing that important rule of the water in creating an idyllic atmosphere.
The terrace of Sultan Amir Ahmad Hammam is another of the sites, in addition to the bazaar’s rooftop, to overlooks the city. The beginning of the day or the sunset is the best time to visit the rooftop, avoiding the intense light felt during the day. But it is the interior of the hammam is the core of this place, where after a succession of narrow passages and corridors one arrives at the first of the two main rooms of the building: the dressing room (Sarbineh) and the bathhouse (Garmkhaneh).
In the first apartment dominates the ceiling covered with small tiles forming a complex and intricate geometric patterns, radiating from the skylight that provides natural light to the room, emanating tranquility.
The walls and vaulted ceilings are decorated with floral motifs designed in bas-relief on a plaster surface; tiles form geometric patterns formed covering lining the base wall and pillars, in white, yellow and blue colours.
Very close to the central roundabout of Kashan (Kamal al-Molk Square), is the Agha Bozorg Mosque, whose discreet location at the end of a narrow street can go unnoticed. The entrance does not give a proper idea of the proportions of this delicate building that is a mosque but also serves as a madrasah (school of Islamic theology). The interior is delicately decorated and provides a peaceful environment favorable to study of the scriptures.
Agha Bozorg Mosque
Hours: 8 am – 8 pm
Free entrance
Historical Houses and Amir Ahmad Hammam
The ticket to the Historical Houses (Khan and Abbassin, Khan and Tabatabei) and the Sultan Amir Ahmad Hammam is always 150,000 rials.
You can buy a combine ticket for the Hammam and for some of Historical Houses. The ticket counter of Sultan Amir Ahmad Hammam is the best place to ask for information about places and tickets, that are provided by the helpful and diligent staff at the reception desk.
Khan and Abassin + Hammam stood at 250,000 rials.
The Fin Garden is out of this “combine ticket”.
Baghe Fin (Fin Garden):
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
Ticket: 150,000 rials
Transport:
The city center and the main points of interest are within walking distance of the two places mentioned (Eshan House and Noglhi House), so it is not necessary to use public transport.
To visit the Bagh-e Fin, situated about 6 kilometers from the city center is necessary to go by bus or taxi. From Ayatollah Kashani Street, picking the bus number 327, which last stop is just at the garden entrance.
