Shafi Abad Caravanserai (Kerman, Iran) | Shafiabad Village

Kerman’s Shafi Abad Village is host to one of the most beautiful and attractive attractions in the heart of the desert: Shafi Abad Caravanserai. This Qajar era (1789-1925) caravanserai enjoys a lovely Persian architecture. If you are planning to travel to Lut Desert and see the Kaluts of Shahdad, you can also treat yourself to the unique experience of spending the night in Shafi Abad village. So, join me to find out more about this beautiful caravanserai.

Shafi Abad Caravanserai

Why Visit Shafi Abad Caravanserai?

• Checking out the special architecture of this caravanserai.
• Having the rare experience of staying in the desert and a historical caravanserai.
• Visiting Lut Desert and the Kaluts of Shahdad.
• Enjoying the incredible night sky of the desert.

The Facade of Shafiabad Cravanserai

History of Shafi Abad Caravanserai

In the past, due to the long distances and lack of facilities on the roads, travelers needed a place to rest. For this reason, many caravanserais were built on the main roads of Iran. Another use of caravanserais was the ability of providing security for caravans against bandit attacks. Therefore, caravanserais were built like a castle or a military fortress to be a refuge for travelers. That’s why Shafi Abad Caravanserai is also known as Shafi Abad Castle.

Since ancient times, the location of Shafi Abad Caravanserai has made it the last stopping point of caravans before entering the desert. The caravans that stopped by this caravanserai were mostly destined for Kerman. Thus, they had to pass through Shafi Abad village to reach their destination So, this caravanserai was one of the most important caravanserais of that time.

Today, the most important factor in the reputation of Shafi Abad Caravanserai is that it neighbors the amazing Kaluts of Shahdad Desert. The caravanserai has also encouraged the natives of the village to build local residences. These residences will not only bring economic prosperity to the villagers but also respond to the needs of tourists for staying near Shahdad Kaluts.

Shafi Abad Caravanserai – The Facade

Architecture of Shafiabad Caravanserai

Shafi Abad Caravanserai is located in an area covered with palm trees and high protective walls. If you stand in front of this building, you can see that the caravanserai has a large main gate with several rooms on top and two towers on either side. In the past, guards used to watch and protect these areas. Cylindrical watchtowers are in the four corners of the castle.

Upon entering the caravanserai, you will see that there is a one-floor building with pillars on the south side of the caravanserai and rooms around the caravanserai. You can also use the stairs to reach the roof of the castle. It should be noted that a qanat (a gently sloping underground channel of water) has been dug in the area of the caravanserai many years ago. So, the freshness of this complex and its good atmosphere is due to the passage of water from this qanat.

The Architecture of Shafiabad Caravanserai – Shafi Abad

Decorations of Shafi  Abad Caravanserai

In each part of Shafi Abad caravanserai, there are eye-catching decorations and beautiful details. This complex has very beautiful brickwork decorations. At the beginning of the entrance, you will see impressive tiles. After that, the watchtowers that are on four sides are so impressive. These watchtowers have interesting structures. There are geometric shapes in the body of the watchtowers. They are made of brick. And they also have a very beautiful harmony with the rural texture of Shafi Abad and the color of the surrounding desert soil.

These interesting items have increased the charm of this caravanserai. The interior rooms of the castle are simple and small, and there are windows for conditioning and cooling the air inside the rooms. From the reconstructed and secured roof of the castle, you can have a wide view of the surrounding flat plains.

The Building of Shafi Abad Caravanserai

The first Natural Museum of Iran – Shafi Abad

The construction of the first natural museum of Iran began with special attention to the empowerment of local communities in the development of tourism. The other reason was the economic prosperity of the region by sustaining the customs and handicrafts of the desert areas in Shafi Abad village. This, in addition to repairing and improving the condition of the caravanserai, increased the attention to this tourist attraction. Next to Shafi Abad castle and caravanserai, you can also buy handicrafts made by the natives of the village.

More about Shafi Abad Caravanserai

Visiting Shafi Abad Caravanserai is free and it takes about 1 hour.

Nearby Attractions

One of the most famous attractions of this region are Lut Desert and Shahdad Kaluts, which are very popular among visitors. To visit Shafi Abad Caravanserai, you must travel to Kerman province. So on your way you can see the attractive and famous attractions of Kerman. Here are some of them: Shazdeh Garden, which belongs to Qajar era. This garden is one of the 9 Persian gardens that are registered in UNESCO. Jabaliyeh Dome is a stone building that dates back to Sassanid era. This dome is the only stone building in Kerman. Inside this complex, you can also visit Stone Museum of Kerman.

Where to Eat Nearby

Kalut Ecolodge

Desert Ecolodge

Lut Ecolodge

Like to visit Shafi Abad Caravanserai?

Then join either one of our Kerman Excursion Tours or our Kerman Desert Tours.