Village Carved Out Of Stone - Kandovan

Kandovan is a famous tourist village located in the northern Iranian mountain-side, near the cities Osku and Tabriz. It is known for its uniqueness that comes from the fact that many of its homes have been made in caves located in cone-shaped rock-formation. 

In this unique village, the homes are not just built on the mountain, they are carved into it. Built out of volcanic ash and debris spewed during an eruption of Mount Sahand, these rocky structures were compressed and shaped by natural forces into cone-shaped pillars containing pockets. They have been eroded by the elements over the years into their current shapes.

Houses carved inside rocks are so peculiar. Some of these houses are at least 700 years old and still inhabited. Most of the houses are two to four storeys high. It is said the first inhabitants came to Kandovan to escape the invading Mongols. They dug hideouts in the giant volcanic cliffs and remained here even after the danger was over. Their hiding places slowly became complex houses complete with kitchens, hallways and bedrooms. 

The main occupations of Kandovan villagers are agriculture and sheep herding, but the main income of most of the inhabitants comes from tourism. They have realized the potential of their old homes and learned to live their lives surrounded by travelers from all around the world. Local residents say that the homes are not only strong but also unusually ‘energy efficient’: These homes require minimal supplemental heat during the long cold season and remain cool in the summer. 'Kando' means 'a bee’s hive’, and this is how Kandovan got its name.