Rasht

About Rasht

Rasht, the largest city on Iran’s Caspian Sea coast, is the capital of Gilan. The port of Anzali (Bandar-e Anzali) is known as the gateway to Europe, where major trades between Caucasia, Russia, and Iran take place. Rasht is also known as a tourist center despite the Masuleh recreation area located in the mountains adjacent to the sea and the Caspian Sea coast. This city has a history dating back to the 13th century, and its modern history dates back to the Safavid era during which Rasht was a major silk trade center with numerous textile workshops. Since Rash played a major role in Iran’s history and the European trades, it was influenced by Western architecture. Rasht was the first city in Iran to have a public library and school for girls. With 12 to 15 million visitors yearly, Rasht is one of the most popular holiday destinations among Iranians. Other than being a cultural center, Rasht is a market for rice, tea, peanuts, and silk.

About the Climate of Rasht

Located on the coast of the Caspian Sea, Rasht has a humid Mediterranean subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and cold and wet winters. Due to the number of rainy days this city has, Rasht is one of the wettest cities in Iran and has the nickname “Rain City”. The temperature is normally between 25 °c and 37 °c in summers, and -7 °c and 12 °c in winters.

Rasht World Heritage Sites

In 2015 Rasht, the capital city of Gilan Province was accepted to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for its gastronomy (the practice or art of choosing, cooking, and eating good food). Rasht has earned the nickname “Food City” at home because of the use of local spices, ingredients such as fish, herbs, and legumes, and cooking utensils and methods to create ancient recipes handed down through generations. Rasht embroidery is a handicraft and art specific to the city and Gilan province.

Attractions of Rasht

Shahrdari Square

Shahrdari Square, surrounded by several historical monuments such as the clock tower, post building, the historic Iran hotel, and the city hall is the beating heart of Rasht and one of its most important attractions. The square’s name means city hall, referring to the city hall building in this square, which was the first one built in Iran. Built from 1919 to 1924, Shahrdari Square is still the main square of Rasht. Saint Petersburg city had a big influence on the architecture of this square and surrounding buildings. 

Kuchak Khan Mausoleum and Home

Mirza Kuchak Khan was an Iranian activist in the constitutional revolution of Iran, the leader of the Jungle movement, and the founder of the Soviet Republic of Gilan. Nowadays, his home serves as a museum displaying his possessions. You may learn about an important era in the history of Iran by visiting his house. His memorial mausoleum is also visited by many locals and travelers.

Rasht Grand Bazaar

Unlike most traditional bazaars in Iran, the Rasht Grand Bazaar is an open-air bazaar. There are 14 caravanserais in this bazaar which date back to the Qajar and early Pahlavi era. This popular bazaar is a great place to buy souvenirs, local food, etc.

Anzali Lagoon

Anzali Lagoon is one of the most significant and unique lagoons in Iran. Famous for its beautiful Indian lotuses seen in spring, the amazing Anzali Lagoon is the natural habitat for many fish species. Activities such as kayaking, boat riding, and fishing are available in this magnificent lagoon.

Rasht Medical View

Rasht has some of the most up-to-date hospitals with state-of-the-art equipment. Rasht's surgeons are some of the most qualified, and active in all medical areas. Rasht is considered one of the best cities for treating Infertility or undergoing an Organ Transplant. Also, Rasht is a research city for cancer treatments.