Shavaz Village

Shavaz is one of the oldest and most valuable historic villages in Yazd Province. It lies in Nasrabad Rural District of Taft County, about 95 kilometres southeast of the city of Yazd. The village stands along the Shirkuh mountain range and has a unique natural setting: on one side it backs onto mountain heights, and on the other it overlooks a wide, open plain. The village's history of several thousand years can be seen in its historical remains, ancient cemeteries, ancient petroglyphs and, above all, its massive castle. Together, these features have made Shavaz one of the most important historical and natural attractions of Taft County, drawing tourists, researchers and enthusiasts of history and architecture every year.

The village's most important historical monument is Shavaz Castle, built on top of a rocky outcrop about 100 metres high and regarded as one of the most distinctive mountain castles in Yazd Province. Covering nearly 5,000 square metres, the castle has a solid structure of stone, mud brick and mud. Its most important parts include watchtowers, defensive walls, numerous rooms, a brick entrance and spaces carved into the rock. The castle's architecture closely resembles Sasanian-era defensive methods. Pre-Islamic arches, a unique inscription from the 6th century AH (Hijri), historical pottery and ancient cemeteries around the village add to the historical value of the area. Besides its historical remains, Shavaz's unspoiled nature, the Talkh and Shur waterfall, mountain views and the village's charming silence provide an ideal setting for nature tourism and cultural tourism.

To reach Shavaz, take the Yazd–Abarkuh road from the city of Yazd, pass the routes leading to the Poshtkuh area and the village of Aliabad, then follow the side road to Shavaz. The village is about 68 kilometres from the town of Taft and about 95 kilometres from the city of Yazd. The best time to visit Shavaz is spring and early autumn, when the weather is mild and the village's mountain landscape looks its most picturesque. During your visit, please avoid entering the fragile parts of the castle, moving historical objects, damaging the petroglyphs, or leaving litter in nature, so that this valuable historical and natural heritage is preserved for future generations.