Alexander’s Prison Yazd is a beautiful historic building that was originally a religious school. This charming complex offers various parts to explore.
Also known as Ziyaiieh School, it served as a religious school for centuries. The complex features a domed room that was built before the Mongol invasion. Over the centuries, additional parts and buildings were added. During the Timurid and Qajar eras, the building underwent some changes and was recently partly restored.
Alexander’s Prison is a captivating historical monument in Yazd. Its different parts include a beautiful entrance, an attractive dome, iwans, a cellar with a depth of about 7 meters, and an iconic windcatcher. The dome of Alexander’s Prison is 5 meters high and, despite its simplicity, remains delightful. Similar to other religious places in Iran, the complex boasts a large worship hall with a mihrab, designed and ornamented elegantly. A dedicated room houses the windcatcher, providing a cooler atmosphere during the hot summer desert climate of Yazd. Additionally, the courtyard features a well leading to a historic deep cellar that provides water for the school’s residents. Furthermore, a small museum adds to the architecture’s attractiveness.
Though mainly constructed and decorated with mud-brick and lacking colorful tiles and ceramics, Alexander’s Prison still exudes grace and charm.
You can visit Alexander’s Prison in Yazd during the spring and the summer from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and during the winter months from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For a deeper exploration of Alexander’s Prison, its architectural details, mysterious deep well, and historical background, refer to the Tehran Times feature article “Discover ‘Alexander’s Prison’ and its fabled dungeon.”
