Traditional Orchards of Qazvin

The Traditional Orchards of Qazvin (Baghestan) are among the province's most valuable cultural and natural heritage sites, and are known as one of the largest and oldest orchard landscapes in Iran. Covering a vast area, they include fruit gardens, ancient trees and old irrigation systems that show the agricultural skill and knowledge of the local people over the centuries. The history of these orchards goes back more than a thousand years, and in Naser Khosrow's travelogue, Qazvin is described as a city among gardens: "It had many orchards; there were no walls, thorns or any other obstacle to entering the gardens." The Qazvin orchards have not only played an important role in food supply and the local economy, but have also served as a place of recreation and relaxation for residents and visitors.

These orchards have not only been a source of produce and employment for thousands of families; thanks to their harmonious ecological design, smart flood irrigation system and drought-resistant vegetation, they have also acted as a green belt, protecting against floods, moderating air temperature (a reduction of 4 to 6 degrees), purifying the air and storing groundwater. The orchards consist of several thousand separate garden plots with trees such as pistachio, almond, grape, apricot, apple, peach, mulberry and walnut, and many of the trees are between 100 and 400, or even 700, years old. In addition, the dirt paths and natural shade create a pleasant setting for walking and for visitors, and give enthusiasts the chance to become acquainted with agricultural culture and village life.

The traditional orchards extend along the edge of the city of Qazvin and can be reached by a variety of routes; parts of them can be travelled by car, and alongside these there are dirt tracks and public paths for walking. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant stroll through this historic and natural landscape using only the public paths, without entering private gardens. The best time to visit the Traditional Orchards of Qazvin is spring and early summer, when the trees are laden with fruit and the weather is mild and pleasant. At this time the gardens are lush and fresh, and the setting is ideal for walking and relaxing. Autumn also has its own special beauty, with warm colours and falling leaves, but in winter, because of the cold and the possibility of snowfall, visiting is somewhat more difficult. Planning your visit for the milder seasons of the year will give you a memorable and enjoyable experience.