Kandovan Village Tabriz
A village is a wonderful example of manmade cliff dwelling which located on the mountain flank of Sultan Daghi, Sabalan Mountain that is called Kandovan Village in Tabriz. It is well-known for its wonderful rocky architecture. This rocky village is the result of volcanic activities and hand-carved structures. The inhabitants, basically, carved every room of the cliff houses like kitchens, halls, and even pens out of stone to make windows for the rooms and later, to decorate them with colorful glasses. This village is an up-country area of Sabalan Mountains that its natural and specific architecture has made it globally popular.
Description
Antiquity of this tourist village gets backs to 6000 years ago. Researches of archeology has estimated its age up to 7000 years old. What gives this village an antique nature is presence of 117 families and houses inside rocky cone and pyramid-shaped masses in which villagers has made houses, corral, warehouse and workshops. Appellation of the village is due to hive-shaped houses which have been embodied inside conical rocks.
About traditional architecture of this village, some researchers and geographers believe that kandovan village of Tabriz has no similar in Ian, it is worth mentioning that this historical village is one of the three rocky villages in the world. Existence of tasty mineral water, unique rocky and conic houses, green valley, desirable mountainous weather, pleasant dairies and natural honey have made this village under attention of followers, together with sedative environment and evening silence and a graceful breeze.
Features of the village
The beautiful spas of the village are an excellent place for patients with renal problems to enjoy a natural therapeutic experience. Besides, the silence and tranquility of the mountains along with the clean air draw numerous artists to the spot every year. The fruitful plains of the region provide nomads with a possibility to breed honey bees and grow medicinal herbs, both sources of income for the locals. Handicrafts such as weaving of Kilims and colorful scarves is among the occupations of local women
Architecture of Kandovan Village of Tabriz
Some archaeologists attribute this village to pre-Islamic times. Since rock architecture does not include building materials such as gypsum, lime, clay and the space created by engraving within the stone, this style of architecture is an example of the human nature's struggle with the acquisition of natural rocks. Contrary to the imagination, these rocky houses, like ordinary homes, have different sections such as living room, kitchen and even have water and electricity plumbing. The walls of these interesting houses are about 2 meters in diameter, so the interior is naturally warm in winter and cool in summer.
The Rock Hotel
The Laleh Hotel, International Rock Hotel in Kandovan which is the third hotel of the kind in the world offers the tourist from all around the world the chance to have an enjoyable trip to the region. The hotel is designed to have 40 Karaans (natural rock rooms), 10 of which are now available with complete room service and Jacuzzi. They are all equipped with heating system for the winter. In the summer the hotel does not need cooling system as the weather is very pleasant in this rocky village. A luxurious restaurant with a variety of Iranian and foreign dishes ready to host 120 people are among other facilities of the hotel. It is to be expanded by adding other 30 Karaans and more facilities such as commercial center, swimming pool, and parking.