Masuleh Village

Masuleh is a town in Gilan Province, in the Sardar-e Jangal District of Fuman County. It lies in the southwest of Gilan, 36 kilometres from the city of Fuman and 60 kilometres from Rasht. The town is known for its distinctive architecture, in which houses are built in tiers, one above another, and it is regarded as one of Gilan's major tourist attractions. With its unspoiled nature and breathtaking scenery, Masuleh is popular with both Iranian and international visitors. A beautiful view of the terraced houses, balconies decorated with geraniums, lush virgin forests, roaring waterfalls and high mountains is the kind of scenery that will surely win your heart. The pleasant climate, warm and hospitable people, high-quality food and dreamlike atmosphere of Masuleh in Gilan are so appealing that they will draw you back again and again.

Masuleh is one of the few towns in the world with no motor vehicles. Its narrow, stepped alleys make it impossible for any vehicle to pass. Masuleh's architecture dates from the Zand era and, like many other foothill settlements in Iran, it is built in terraces: the roof of each house forms the courtyard of the house above it and is used for daily activities and even as a small garden. The town was built in a chain-like layout to suit the climate and the slope of the land, to make defence against raiders easier, and thanks to its skilled builders. Like most of Gilan, Masuleh has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures reach a maximum of about 30 degrees Celsius, and in winter they drop to around zero. Mist is common in Masuleh in spring, autumn and winter, and its winters are snowy and freezing.

In 1354 (Solar Hijri), the town was added to Iran's National Heritage list as item no. 1090. The population of Masuleh declined after a new road was built linking Gilan and Azerbaijan, and after the famine of 1320. Since Masuleh was registered as a cultural and natural heritage site, no further construction development has been permitted there and its protection has received close attention. Masuleh currently faces problems such as rockfall, floods, landslides and the threat of encroachment for development projects. It is on the waiting list for inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which would strengthen its protection.