Alexander’s Prison
Alexander’s Prison, a beautiful historic building in Yazd, was a school. This charming complex offers various parts to explore.
History
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 recently was partly restored.
Description
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, is 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 pit leading to a historic deep cellar that provides water for the school’s residents. Moreover, 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.
Visiting Hours
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.
