CityBuddy
Alexander's Prison
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon, when the mystical silence of the place can be fully experienced due to fewer visitors. In summer, it is also great during the midday heat, as the indoor temperature is much lower.
Budget tips
The entrance fee is cheap, roughly 1-2 euros worth of rial. If you plan to visit multiple attractions in Yazd, it is worth buying a combined ticket, which can save you up to 30%.
Recommended for
History enthusiasts, Architecture lovers, Quiet adventurers, Photographers
Plan your visit
20-30 minutes
About
Quick facts: The 9th-century structure was actually never a prison, but a huge cistern and resting place in ancient Persia. The name comes from local legends saying that Alexander the Great held rebellious nobles captive here.
Highlights: Inside, a vast dark dome hall unfolds before you, where the walls of the 8-meter-deep cistern are traced by light reaching from above. The perfect silence and the air that is 12 degrees cooler creates the feeling as if you have stepped back into another century.
Insider tips
- Bring a small flashlight with you so you can better examine the carved stones in the dark corners under the dome.
- At the entrance, look up at the ceiling: the brick pattern is like a huge geometric carpet.
- The best photo can be taken from the center point under the dome, where the light shines into the depths of the water reservoir.
- Avoid the period around noon, when organized groups arrive and break the silence of the place.
Where to Stay in Yazd
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
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