From the top of the Qavazang complex the light goes amber over the rooftops of Zanjan, and the whole city seems to tilt toward the horizon. It is the kind of view that rewards a slow walk up and a slow walk down.
Zanjan suits travellers who are already in western Iran and want a day of architecture, a day of walking, and a base for one of the country's great monuments. The city is compact enough to cover on foot, and the surrounding landscape is part of the appeal.
1. The dome of Soltaniyeh
The dome of Soltaniyeh is a historical dome and one of the largest brick domes in the world. It stands in the town of Soltaniyeh, southeast of Zanjan, and is the mausoleum of the 14th century ruler Il-khan Öljeitü. The site has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Treat this as the anchor of a day trip rather than a quick stop. Combine it with the drive out of the city, since Soltaniyeh sits outside Zanjan, and give yourself time to look at the brickwork from more than one angle.
2. Qavazang complex
The Qavazang complex is a hiking area with a beautiful sunset view. It is the best place in the city to end a day on your feet.
Go in the late afternoon so you are on the trail as the sun goes down. Wear shoes you can walk in, and plan to come back down before dark.
3. Jāmeh Mosque of Zanjān
The Jāmeh Mosque of Zanjān is one of the city's central historic sights. It sits within the historical texture of the city, which makes it easy to fold into a walking route.
Pair it with the other old buildings nearby rather than visiting it alone, and check locally before you go, as access to working mosques can vary.
4. Rakhtshurkhaneh
Rakhtshurkhaneh is a traditional Qajari era laundry house and is today Zanjan's Museum of Anthropology. The name means wash-house, and the building lies at the historical texture of the Zanjan city. It was built in the early 20th century and was used for washing clothes by women around the city. It was constructed by brothers Mashad Akbar and Mashadi Esmail.
This is the stop that explains how the city lived, not just how it prayed or traded. Visit it in the same stretch as the Jāmeh Mosque and Caravanserai Sangi, since all three sit in the old fabric of the city.
5. Caravanserai Sangi
Caravanserai Sangi is a historic caravanserai in the city. It belongs to the same cluster of old buildings as the Jāmeh Mosque and Rakhtshurkhaneh.
Walk to it rather than driving between the three, and use it as a pause in the middle of your old-city circuit.
6. Indoor sport climbing at Enghelab sports complex
Zanjan is known for having one of the best indoor sport climbing walls in the Middle East, located in Enghelab sports complex. If you climb, this is a reason to bring your shoes.
Build it into an afternoon rather than a full day, and pair it with an evening at the Qavazang complex if you still have energy.
7. Katale (Catale) Khor cave
The Katale (Catale) Khor cave is near Zanjan. It is one of the natural sights within reach of the city.
Ask locally about the current state of the cave and how to arrange the trip before you set out, and combine it with a day when you also want to see the landscape outside the city.
8. The landscape outside the city
The landscape outside the city is very beautiful. This is not a single stop but the reason to leave the centre at least once.
Fold it into whichever day trip you take, whether that is toward Soltaniyeh or toward the Katale (Catale) Khor cave.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start in the historical texture of the city and work through the Jāmeh Mosque of Zanjān, Caravanserai Sangi and Rakhtshurkhaneh on foot, in that order or the reverse.
Afternoon: Head out to the dome of Soltaniyeh, southeast of Zanjan, and give the dome and mausoleum the bulk of your afternoon.
Evening: Return to the city and walk up the Qavazang complex for the sunset view.
Is Soltaniyeh inside Zanjan city?
No. Soltaniyeh is a town southeast of Zanjan, and the dome and mausoleum of Il-khan Öljeitü are there. Plan it as a trip out of the city.
What is Rakhtshurkhaneh today?
It is Zanjan's Museum of Anthropology, housed in a traditional Qajari era laundry house built in the early 20th century.
Where can I go climbing in Zanjan?
The indoor sport climbing wall is in Enghelab sports complex. Zanjan is known for having one of the best indoor sport climbing walls in the Middle East.
What can I do near Zanjan if I have extra time?
The Katale (Catale) Khor cave is near the city, and the landscape outside the city is very beautiful.
Decide which day you will give to Soltaniyeh, block the rest around the old city and the sunset at Qavazang, and you have a trip worth planning.