Roaming

NATANZ FIRE TEMPLE

The Grace of the Past
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​An Outstanding Work of Iranian Architecture
Don't skip a visit to the Fire Temple of Natanz if you're interested in Iranian history and architecture. This ancient building, which dates to the Sassanian era, was one of Iran's most significant fire temples. In Zoroastrianism, fire temples were hallowed sites for prayer and devotion.
The Magnificence of Architecture​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​An elegant fusion of purpose and form
One of the best examples of Sassanian architecture is the Fire Temple of Natanz, which features a four-iwan (four-arched hall) design. Four enormous columns form a square, supported by two platforms. sadly, this old building has lost some of its integrity to time and neglect. But its past grandeur and magnificence are still present.

TRAVELOGUE

Kashan

Echoes of Kashan​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​In a historic mansion, art and history coexist
The Fire Temple of Natanz's close proximity to the city's magnificent mosque is among its most intriguing features. This comparison highlights the historical coexistence of several religions.

​​​​​​​The mosque was built close to the fire temple by Muslim architects as a sign of respect for the past and culture of their forebears.
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Your Path to Taj​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​Easily Discover Kashan's History on Your Way to the Taj

This medieval building, next to the Grand Mosque of Natanz, is located on a platform about 2.5 meters above ground.

Originally, it had four vaulted arches that reached above. Only the ruins of two isolated northern walls and their supporting arches from the south survive today. These four arches covered an area of around 122 square meters and were supported by two platforms. 

Built of river stones and a gypsum and earth mortar, the walls had a thin layer of gypsum applied to them. The bases of the vaults were decorated with squinches, or decorative brackets, which added to the building's visual charm. Two squinches and one arch remain intact on the southernmost side of the structure, which is the best-preserved. 
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In 1311 (1932 CE), the Sassanian Fire Temple of Natanz was officially registered as one of Iran's national monuments under the registration number 187.

Echoes of Kashan​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​In a historic mansion, art and history coexist
There are traces of devastation throughout this old building that almost appear to tell a story. The constant chewing of termites and the vibrations of earthquakes have eroded the wooden beams that formerly made up the dome's skeleton to tiny bits.
Your Path to Taj​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​Easily Discover Kashan's History on Your Way to the Taj

On a thin layer of gypsum, the walls appear to have remnants of ancient artwork upon closer inspection. But there's more to the tale. This thin layer is covered on a thick layer of dirt and straw, all of straw has been eaten by termites.

​​​​​​​These exquisite paintings most likely belong to a time when the fire temple's main purpose had been abandoned. These paintings might have been made at the same time as the neighboring mosque, built during the Buyie-era. Given their close proximity, it appears that the mosque was erected on the site of the previous fire temple.
Echoes of Kashan​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​In a historic mansion, art and history coexist
The elders' stories add to the complexity of this site's history. According to what they say, there were once signs of tombs on the grounds of the fire temple; sadly, the nearby property owners demolished them. It's probable that this location served as a cemetery at some point during the Buyid dynasty.
Your Path to Taj​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​Easily Discover Kashan's History on Your Way to the Taj

While renovating a house close to the fire temple in 1941, a fascinating find was uncovered. Workers discovered an odd underground canal with no obvious beginning or the end while excavating a well.

​​​​​​​In addition, a gypsum-lined trench discovered during courtyard excavation was later filled in again.
Echoes of Kashan​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​In a historic mansion, art and history coexist
The symbol of fire worship and the beating heart of ancient Iran, fire temples are highly venerated in this country's history and culture. Every fire temple had a domed or cubic chamber at its center that was regarded as the most sacred area of the building. Fire blazed forever in this hallowed site, signifying purity and light. It's interesting to note that the word "dome" comes from the Pahlavi language.
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Azar Farnabagh, Azar Gashnasb, and Azar Barzin Mehr were three fire temples that were very significant during the Sassanian era. These fire temples were all dedicated to different social levels during that era. The clerics received Azar Farnabagh's dedication, the soldiers received Azar Gashnasb's, and the farmers received Azar Barzin Mehr's. After being crowned, the Sassanian kings would start a sacred fire to symbolize the start of their rule.

Taj Historical House

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