Alexander's Prison

Alexander's Prison (Zendan-e Eskandar) is one of the historic sights of the city of Yazd, in Yazd Province. With its distinctive architecture and a history full of mystery, it attracts the attention of tourists and researchers alike. Located in the heart of Yazd's old quarter, the building dates back to the Safavid era and takes its name from local legends and historical accounts. As one of the city's historic spaces, in addition to its architectural value, Alexander's Prison reflects the social and judicial functions of the past. The monument was registered as one of Iran's national heritage sites on 23 Esfand 1346 (Solar Hijri) under registration number 770. Alexander's Prison, also known as the Ziaiyeh School, is in fact a madrasa roughly 10 centuries old, located in the Fahadan neighbourhood of Yazd, next to the Shrine of the Twelve Imams.

Among the features of the building is a well about 4 metres in diameter in the middle of the school's courtyard, which leads to a cellar about 7 metres deep. The dome of the shrine reaches a height of 20 metres and was decorated with beautiful stucco work and ornamentation in gold and lapis-blue watercolour, most of which has been lost. Several accounts attribute the construction of the building to the time of Alexander the Great's invasion of Iran, saying it was used as a prison and was later converted into a school. The complex includes corridors and dark cells that were used as a prison in the past.

The distinctive architecture of this place, built with local materials and desert-specific designs, shows adaptation to Yazd's hot, dry climate. Beyond its historical value, the building is regarded as one of the symbols of the culture and urban life of old Yazd, and visiting it offers a better understanding of security and legal structures in the past. Visitors can easily reach Alexander's Prison from the historic centre of Yazd, either on foot or by vehicle. The best time to visit is spring and autumn, when the weather in Yazd is milder and more pleasant. A visit to this building is a good opportunity to learn about the history, culture and architecture of Yazd, and by following the principles of responsible nature tourism, you help preserve this valuable heritage.