Sightseeing places in Sanandaj; Attractions and places to see + photo and address

As the cultural heart of Kurdistan, Sanandaj is a city where history, music and nature have a deep connection. Experts believe that the city of Sanandaj belongs to the first half of the 11th century of Hijri, which was built in 1040 AD during the reign of Shah Safi, at the initiative of Suleiman Khan, just when he came to rule Kurdistan. From historical mansions and old markets to parks and natural attractions around the city, the sights of Sanandaj present a special image of western Iran to tourists. In addition to its rich cultural background, this city has provided a dynamic and lively space for city sightseeing. If you want to know more about the most important sights of Sanandaj and its unique atmosphere, don’t miss the continuation of this article.

• Address: Sanandaj, Kurdistan Province, Imam Khomeini Street, Revolution Square, after Shahada Street (view on the map)

One of the old buildings of Sanandaj city is the Grand Mosque of this city, which, according to the available documents, seems to have been built during the Qajar era and by the order of the governor of Kurdistan, Amanullah Khan. The construction date of this mosque, which is also known as Darul Ahsan, is the year 1228 AH, which consists of two porches, a courtyard in the center, 12 rooms around the courtyard for students, a large hall with 24 columns, capitals decorated with a large part of the Holy Quran, which is placed around the hall. Other notable decorations in this old mosque include the use of seven-color tiles on the walls and the use of marble on the plinths.

• Address: Sanandaj, Sanandaj, Kurdistan Province, Imam Khomeini Street, Revolution Square, not reaching Shahada Street (view on the map)
• Visiting hours: 9 to 12:30 and from 15:30 to 18:30
• Visiting fee (year 1404): 15,000 tomans

Another interesting place in Sanandaj is located in the center of the city, which is known as Asif Khan Waziri mansion. This old building was built during the Safavid era and parts were added to it during the Qajar and Pahlavi periods. This house has an area of ​​more than 4,500 square meters and consists of a semi-octagonal entrance hall, a ceremonial hall, a columned porch, a curtain, a series of aqueducts, a private bathroom, a central courtyard, a servant’s courtyard, a portico, etc., where you can see the beautiful and artistic Iranian architecture with eye-catching decorations. This building was recently changed to a museum and it is called Kurdish House.

Photographer: unknown / en.icro.ir

• Address: Kurdistan Province, Sanandaj, Elkhebal Square, Taleghani Street, Gold Sellers Bazaar (view on the map)
• Visiting hours: 10:30 to 23:30

Certainly, one of the most beautiful historical buildings remaining in Sanandaj is the mansion known as Hamam Khan. This building is located in the old context and central core of Sanandaj and is one of the attractions of Sanandaj. According to Hamam’s inscription, it dates back to the reign of Amanullah Khan Ardalan, one of the governors of Kurdistan. This bath, like other Iranian baths, consists of an entrance hall, vestibule, serbineh (cold bath), kholuti, toilets, water tank, ton, treasury, middle door and bineh or hot bath.

Photographer: Ruhollah Rajabi / Google Map

The presence of beautiful water features in the cold bath, hot bath, and private rooms located on the floor are among the features of this historical building. Another notable feature of Hammam Khan is its decorations, which are very rich and made of limestone with various patterns and seven-color tiling. Hammam Khan Sanandaj is used as a traditional restaurant today.

The Khosroabad mansion in Sanandaj is one of the most prominent historical monuments of the Qajar period in Kurdistan, which displays a magnificent effect of authentic Iranian architecture in the middle of a large and green garden. This historical complex, with its central hall, high porches, delicate plaster and brickwork decorations, and the harmonious combination of architectural elements and nature, was once the residence of the rulers and the holding of official ceremonies. As one of the most important sightseeing places in Sanandaj, the Khosroabad Mansion provides a valuable opportunity to learn about the history, art and aristocratic lifestyle in western Iran, and visiting it is a lasting experience for those interested in cultural heritage.

Photographer: unknown / isna.ir

• Address: Kurdistan province, Sanandaj, Abider beltway, between Gas field and Hijab field, Abider forest park path (view on the map)

The entertainment complex of Abider Park, which is also known as Abider Mountain Park, is actually the most famous and popular resort in Sanandaj city, which is located in the western part and among the mountains of Abider. Abider Park consists of big and small Abider mountains, each of which has a height of 2,250 and 2,350 meters, respectively. Abider means a place from which a lot of water flows, and because of the presence of many springs located in this mountain, it was named Abider. The nobility of the city of Sanandaj from the top of this beautiful park has created a wonderful view that hosts travelers and tourists from all over Iran and the world on most days of the year.

Photographer: unknown / en.icro.ir

• Address: Kurdistan Province, Sanandaj, Revolution Square, Imam Khomeini Street, Habibi Alley (view on the map)
• Visiting hours: Saturday to Thursday from 8 to 14
• Visiting fee (year 1404): 20,000 tomans

Among the other tourist attractions of Sanandaj is a cultural and historical place known as Sanandaj Museum. This cultural complex is located in the outer part of one of Sanandaj’s historical buildings called Salar Saeed Mansion. In fact, this house can be considered a valuable relic of the Qajar era, which was built during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, with the efforts of Mullah Lotfollah Sheikhul-Islam, one of the Sunni scholars. In a period of time, this mansion has been used as a science center, a library and a house of scouts, and then as a museum. There are sections such as pre-history, Islamic era and temporary exhibition in this museum.

Photographer: Kehyaneh / foursquare.com

• Address: Kurdistan Province, Sanandaj, Revolution Square, Imam Khomeini Street, Pir Omer Alley (view on the map)

Near Sane Dej, or the government fortress of Sanandaj, the tomb of one of the sons of Hazrat Ali (PBUH) named Seyyed Abdul Samad has been built, which is called Imamzadeh Pir Omar. A collection that consists of tombs, mosques, tombs of Sanandaj’s great and famous families and surrounding spaces. It seems that the construction of this building took place during the reign of Suleiman Khan Ardalan in 1046 AD, and parts were added to it in subsequent periods. Three domed spaces, two parts of which are used as shrines and another part as a mosque, make up the building of Imamzadeh. Among the architectural features of this complex, we can mention the brick decorations, mirror work, very beautiful and eye-catching stucco sashes, and the building line on the edge of its dome, which is admirable.

Photographer: FariborZ Mozaffari / Google Map

• Address: Kurdistan Province, Sanandaj, Azadi Square (Iqbal), Keshavarz St. (view on the map)

One of the remaining buildings from the era of Zandiyeh rule in Sanandaj city is a mansion inherited from the Vakil family, which is known as the Vakil mansion. It seems that the main building of this mansion was built by Haj Mohammad Rashid Bey Vakil, one of the Amirs of Zand, which was repaired and renovated during different periods and parts such as several yards, bazaar, bath and other buildings that are used as residential, commercial and sanitary buildings were added to it. One of the characteristics of this historical complex is the presence of stone columns with rope decorations, elaborate carvings, and very beautiful and eye-catching brickwork. This mansion is currently a private property and it is not possible to visit it publicly.

Photographer: Γεωργός / Wikimedia

• Address: Kurdistan Province, Sanandaj, Kurdistan Boulevard (South to North), Nasser Khosro St

The glass bath is another historical monument and a sight to see in Sanandaj. Hashti, Sarbineh, hot bath, stone columns and entrance spaces, platforms, hot and cold fountains, treasury and solitude are parts of this old bath which dates back to the Qajar era. The reason for the fame of this bathroom is the colored glass, doors and windows that were used in it, and it definitely gave it a special beauty, unfortunately, most of them have been lost now. Limestone decorations with motifs such as plants and animals are other valuable features of architecture in this ancient work.

Photographer: Farzan Ahmadnejad / Google Map

• Address: Kurdistan Province, Sanandaj, El-Englab Square, the beginning of El-Englab Street (view on the map)
• Visiting hours: Saturday to Thursday from 8 to 20

The old market of Sanandaj is one of the historical markets of this city, which is located in the center of Sanandaj. This market was built in 1046 AD, during the Safavid era, by Suleiman Khan Ardalan. Shah Safi ordered the construction of this bazaar and sent skilled craftsmen and craftsmen to the region to build a bazaar, a government castle, a bathhouse, a mosque, and a caravanserai. Unfortunately, due to the construction of Elkhebal Street, this market has been divided into two parts, and today one part of it is called “Asef” and the other part is called “Sanandji”.

Photographer: Farid Enayati / Google Map

Only three old gates remain from the old market of Sanandaj. This market is still active and trading is going on. The map of this market is in the shape of a large rectangle, unlike most of the old markets in Iran, which are built in a linear form; It is said that this market was inspired by the surroundings of Naqsh Jahan Square in Isfahan. The old market of Sanandaj was registered in the list of national monuments of Iran in 1375, with the number 1775.

• Address: Sanandaj, Kurdistan Province, Imam Khomeini Street, Revolution Square, Shahada Street (view on the map)

Moshir Divan mansion is another old khans and sightseeing places in Sanandaj, which is located in the old neighborhood of Sartpoule, located on Shahada (former Farah) street. This mansion was built during the Qajar era by Mirza Yusuf Moshir Diwan, the councilor and deputy ruler of the region. Iranian architecture was used in the construction of this building and the governorate of Kurdistan was located there for several years. Moshir Divan Mansion has seven courtyards, each of which has separate water features with a different design and at the same time connected with other water features. These yards include private, public, ceremonial, service and health sectors.

Photographer: Mukhtar Momeni / Google Map

In the main part of the building, there is a pillared porch, a hall, a courtyard, and a fountain, and its doors and windows are made of porcelain wood and colored glass. Among the special features used in the decoration of this building, we can mention the carving on the plinth stone, plastering, plaster moldings and sashes with slim designs. The entrance gate of the mansion is called “Jalukhani gate” which is considered one of its architectural beauties. This sardar is in the shape of a semi-octove with numerous platforms and brickwork arches and is a symbol of classical Iranian architecture, whose brickwork is done in a flat and straight shape. This property is private and can only be visited during Nowruz holidays.

• Address: Kurdistan Province, Sanandaj, Taleghani Street, the beginning of Salahuddin Ayubi Street (view on the map)

Imamzadeh Hajar Khatun is located on Salahuddin Ayubi Street, located in the old neighborhood of Sartpoule, Sanandaj. It is said that this imamzadeh was the sister of Imam Reza (a.s.), who died in Kurdistan during a trip to Khorasan and was buried in this place. Adjacent to this imamzadeh, there is also a mosque and the tomb of elders and elders of Sanandaj. One of the most important features of this imamzadeh building is the beautiful stucco and flower and plant motifs of masters and artists. Kurdistan style architecture has been used in creating the pillared porch on the south side of the building.

Photographer: Amirali Soheili / Google Map

Spring in Sanandaj, with its mild weather, green mountain nature and freshness of gardens, is the best time to explore the city and its surroundings. Among the places of interest in Sanandaj in spring, we can mention the following:

• Abider Park entertainment complex
• Khosrow Abad mansion
• Amirieh garden
• Sanandaj market

Photographer: Haryad Art / unsplash.com

The summer of Sanandaj is cooler than many cities in Iran and allows visiting the natural and historical attractions of the city. Among the sights of Sanandaj in summer, we can mention the following:

• Abider Park entertainment complex
• Asif Khan Waziri mansion (Kurdish house)
• Hamam Khan
• Sanandaj Museum

Photographer: Haryad Art / unsplash.com

The autumn of Sanandaj, with its cool weather and colorful mountain scenery, creates a calm and pleasant atmosphere for travel and photography. Among the tourist attractions of Sanandaj in autumn, we can mention the following:

• Abider Park entertainment complex
• Khosrow Abad mansion
• Sanandaj market
• Old quarters of the city

Photographer: Zanko Karimi / unsplash.com

Sanandaj’s winter is cold and snowy, and its winter landscapes are attractive to those who love cold nature. Among the scenic areas of Sanandaj in winter, we can mention the following:

• Abider Park mountain and recreation complex
• Khosrow Abad mansion
• Sanandaj market
• Hamam Khan

Photographer: Shima Badakhshan / unsplash.com

Sanandaj nights are very pleasant for walking and relaxing with the lighting of urban spaces and cool mountain air. Among the places of interest in Sanandaj at night, we can mention the following:

• Abider Park entertainment complex
• Khosrow Abad mansion
• Ferdowsi Street and the city center
• Freedom Square

Photographer: unknown / facebook.com

Sanandaj, the beating heart of Kurdish culture in Iran, is a city that offers tourists a different experience of history, nature and local life. The authentic architecture of historical houses, living markets and deep-rooted rituals along with the beautiful mountain nature has made this city a unique destination for those interested in cultural tourism and nature tourism. Music, local dress, traditional food and the hospitality of the people of Sanandaj make the trip to this city more than a simple visit and turn it into a deep and lasting experience.

Photographer: Armin Khanizad / unsplash.com

If you want to get to know more about the cultural, historical and natural features of Sanandaj, we suggest you take a look at the list of places to visit in Sanandaj. This list will introduce you to the most prominent attractions of Sanandaj and will help you experience a purposeful and fruitful trip.