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Tucked into the side of an ancient volcano in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province is a place that looks more like a film set than a real town.

But Kandovan is very real—and people have been living here, inside cone-shaped rock formations, for over 700 years.

A Village Carved by Nature and Hand

The unique formations were originally created by volcanic ash and lava flows from Mount Sahand, which hardened into soft rock over time.

Wind and water erosion did the rest, sculpting tall, conical structures perfect for hollowing out.

Early settlers carved homes, stables, kitchens, and even mosques directly into the rock.

Unlike the now-abandoned cave cities in places like Cappadocia, Kandovan is still fully inhabited.

Cool in Summer, Warm in Winter

Living inside stone comes with surprising perks.

The thick rock walls insulate the homes naturally, keeping them warm in the freezing winters and cool during scorching summers—ideal for a region with such temperature extremes.

Many families have lived in these same homes for generations, updating them over time with modern comforts while keeping their distinctive appearance.

A Living Museum

Wandering Kandovan feels like stepping into a forgotten past, but this isn’t a museum. It’s a functioning village with schools, shops, livestock, and hospitality.

Some of the rock homes have even been converted into boutique hotels, offering guests the rare chance to sleep inside a mountain.

Kandovan may be built from stone, but it’s very much alive. A place where history isn’t just preserved—it’s lived in.

Until next time,

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