Varkaneh Village

Varkaneh Village is one of the tourist attractions of Hamedan. Thanks to its entirely stone fabric and distinctive architecture, it has earned the title of Iran's stone village. It has also been called Iran's Renaissance village, because when sunlight falls on its houses they turn a burnt brown, evoking a corner of Europe in the Renaissance era. The village lies about 20 km southeast of Hamedan, on the slopes of Mount Alvand, and offers spectacular scenery and clean, pleasant air. Varkaneh is roughly 400 years old (dating from the early Safavid period) and has a unique stone architecture, which has led to its registration as one of Iran's national heritage sites. The "Stable of Mary Lily Karagezlu" is another nationally registered monument in the village.

The most important sights of Varkaneh in Hamedan include its stone houses in traditional architecture, the large Varkaneh stable (from the Qajar era), the "Arsalan" landlord's house, and the natural and mountain landscapes around it. Besides its architectural appeal, the village is an ideal destination for those who enjoy photography, nature tourism and the tranquillity of rural surroundings. The name of the village is thought to be related to the word "Gorganeh" (meaning "relating to wolves"). With their walls of dressed stone and pitched roofs, the stone houses of Varkaneh give the village a unique look and set it apart from other villages in Iran. Narrow alleys, houses with wooden doors and the traditional atmosphere invite visitors on a journey into the history and local culture of the region.

The best time to visit Varkaneh is spring and summer, when the nature around the village is green and the weather is pleasant and cool. In autumn, the colourful trees around the village also give it a poetic charm that is very attractive for photography. To reach Varkaneh, first travel to the city of Hamedan. From there, after driving about 20 km, you can reach the village in less than half an hour. The route has signposts, and you can get there by private car or taxi.