Alexander's Prison

Yazd city is one of the ancient cities of Iran, which has to spend weeks to visit all monuments. One of the most famous monuments is Alexander's Prison.

There are many narratives about Alexander's Prison, which we tell some of them:

First narrative: This narrative seems to be closer to reality. They say that this building was built in the 7th century AH by Zia al-Din Hussein Razi. The construction of this building lasted 74 years. Finally, the construction of this building was completed with the help of Zia al-Din's boys. This building was the place of teaching more than seven hundred years ago.

Second narrative: They said that during Alexander's invasion of Iran, Alexander passed this area, which later became known as Yazdan Gerd and now became known as Yazd. Alexander built this monument for his prisoners.  In the middle of the courtyard of this monument, there is well that say that Alexander used this well as a dungeon. But in fact, this pit is due to the water structure in this building that has collapsed.

Architecture:  The entire building is made of adobe. Perhaps this is why the building has remained healthy now and has not been destroyed. The dome of this building is 18 meters and give unique beauty.
There is a basement in the lower floor of this building. There is an old pond in this basement, which this pond is considered one of the works remain of the original building.
On the corner of the courtyard, there is a room called the Windcatcher that you can enter and enjoy the wind blowing above it.

This building damaged a lot after the victory of the Islamic Revolution because of the devastation it in the old days. For this reason, it restored anew with adobes to not lose its unique appearance. The Alexander’s Prison, registered by the Cultural Heritage Organization in the list of country national works with the 770 number.

• What is the best time to go?

Yazd is one of the hottest cities of Iran in the summer and has high summers. The hot weather of Yazd is usually from early June to early October. The warmest period of Yazd is from early July to early July. The best time to travel to Yazd is from early March to early April, with a quite moderate air. Alexander’s Prison is open from 9 am to 7 pm during the week.

• Getting there

Alexandria Prison is located near the Lariha House and is adjacent to the tomb of twelve Imams. This building is located in the historic district of Fahaadaan, Rakhtshooy Khaneh alley. This district is one of the oldest districts in Yazd.