Escaping from The Mongol Army

Kandovan (bees nest)  is a beautiful and unique historical village in the northwest of the country of Iran located in Iran's East Azerbaijan province, between Tabriz (Iran's fourth largest city) and Osku.  It is a small tourist village situated at an altitude of 1288 metres on the slopes of Mt Sahandkuhthat and is famous for its extraordinary caves and cone-shaped houses carved inside rocks and are thought to be older than 3,000 years.  Although some of the homes are still inhabited, the village itself has been abandoned for over 700 years. Legend has it that the first inhabitants of Kandovan arrived in the 13th century to escape the invading Mongol army. They dug hideouts in the volcanic rocks and eventually decided to settle in the caves. [Photos below]

This beautiful village is also known for its incredible scenic beauty and its natural springs of the area, attracting people from all over the nearby towns who believe that the mineral water can cure kidney disease. The village became a very popular resort and offers a few hotels and restaurants to serve tourists.

Kandovan, Iran - Photo by MalenaN














Kandovan, Iran - Photo by MalenaN














Kandovan, Iran - Photo by MalenaN
View of the river and the village of Kandovan from one of the stone houses, Iran - Photo by Shervin Afshar















A stone house in Kandovan, Iran - Photo by Shervin Afshar














Kandovan, Iran - Photo by Fabienkhan, June 2005














Famous Hotel Kandovan, Iran














Welcome to the Historical and Touristy Village of Kandovan, Iran