Gonbad Aali

The Gonbad Aali, also known as the Ali Dome, is considered to be one of the most ancient monuments of Iran, located on a high mountain in the Abarkooh city.

According to historical documents and inscriptions on this monument, it seems that the mansion of Gonbad Aali was related to the era of Daylamites. Of course, some of the writings, the construction time is attributed to the Seljuq period. But, based on the construction of the architecture and its similarity to the patterns of pre-Islamic Iranians and the date of the inscription mentioned, it returns to the Daylamites era. The Gonbad Aali has become one of the most unparalleled samples of ancient Iranian architecture.  In the inscription of this Gonbad wrote that this tomb belongs to Amid al-Din Shams-al-Dawleh Ali Hezar Asb.

This ancient monument stands firmly above Abarkooh. It is interesting to know that despite the earthquakes that have taken place in Abarkooh these years but this building remains without any damage. This building is made of rocks of the same mountain and Sarooj.

Gonbad Aali built on a quadrilateral platform. Also, this Gonbad is an octagonal shape, with a circular dome on it. The dome of this building is named one of the healthiest domes of the Seljuq period.

There is a Sardab (It is a basement that is used in the summer and keeps food and water cold.) that you can access from the inside. The Gonbad Aali includes the three rows of Muqarnas (One of the decorative elements of Iranian architecture.) and two inscriptions written in the Kufic script.

• What is the best time to go?

The best time to go to the Gonbad Aali is May and June. This monument is open all day in the week and 24 hours a day.

• Getting there?

Abarkooh is one of the cities of Yazd province. The Gonbad Aali is located on the Abarkooh road along the Bahman section. It is about 20 minutes to get from the city of Abarkooh to the Gonbad Aali by car.