22 Wonderful Photos of 700-Years Cave Houses in Iran’s Kandovan Village

The Kandovan cave houses in northwestern Iran are a striking example of human adaptation to a volcanic landscape and a living tradition that stretches back many centuries. Located about 60 km southwest of Tabriz in East Azerbaijan Province, the village is famous for its troglodytic (rock-carved) homes, which are still inhabited today—making it one of the few continuously lived-in cave settlements in the world, alongside places like Cappadocia in Turkey and Matera in Italy.

Kandovan is nestled on the slopes of Mount Sahand, an extinct stratovolcano. Thousands of years ago, volcanic eruptions blanketed the region with thick layers of tuff (compressed volcanic ash). Over time, erosion by wind, rain, and rivers sculpted the tuff into tall, cone-shaped pinnacles and honeycombed rock faces. The natural softness of the tuff made it easy to carve, allowing early settlers to excavate rooms directly into the formations.

Archaeologists believe that Kandovan’s earliest habitation dates back at least 700–800 years, with some suggesting that the first caves were dug as early as the 13th century. Local oral history links Kandovan’s origins to people fleeing the Mongol invasions of Persia in the 13th century (Ilkhanate period). The natural rock cones offered excellent camouflage and protection, allowing families to live securely and discreetly in a hostile era. The name “Kandovan” likely derives from the Persian word kand (to dig) and the suffix -van (place of), roughly meaning “the place that has been dug.”

Each dwelling is carved into a vertical cone of volcanic rock. Homes typically have 2–4 stories, with lower levels used for livestock or storage, and upper levels for living quarters. The volcanic tuff provides remarkable thermal regulation—warm in winter and cool in summer—making the houses extremely energy-efficient. Interiors often include built-in shelves, alcoves, and stairways carved directly into the rock. Some homes are connected by tunnels or hidden passageways.

Kandovan is unique because it is still a functioning village, not a museum site. Unlike Cappadocia, where most cave dwellings are now used for tourism, Kandovan’s residents maintain traditional lifestyles, blending modern amenities (electricity, plumbing) with ancient architecture.

Today, Kandovan has about 110 families and remains a living heritage site. Many residents have converted parts of their homes into guesthouses and teahouses, welcoming visitors while preserving their traditional way of life. The village is protected as part of Iran’s cultural heritage, though preservation efforts are challenging due to natural erosion and the needs of a growing population.