Ultimate guide to Qazvin | Explore Iran in-depth

Ultimate Guide to Qazvin | Everything you need to know

Hiking in Alamut, the valley of the assassins | by: shoesyourpath.com

Ancient city of Qazvin, which is former capital of the Persian Empire and the calligraphy capital of Iran nowaday, is located in 150 km (2.5 hours) northwest of Tehran. The name “Qazvin” or “Kasbin” is derived from Cas, an ancient tribe that lived south of the Caspian Sea millennia ago. The Caspian Se in northern part of Iran, itself in fact derives its name from the same origin. The city is famous for its Baghlava, carpet patterns, seedless grapes, poets, etc.

Archeological findings in this city plain reveal urban agricultural settlements for at least 9 millennia. The city was captured by invading Arabs (644 AD) and destroyed by Hulagu Khan (13th century) during Mongol Empire. Then it became the capital of the Safavid empire around 500 years ago. Later, In the 19th century, Qazvin flourished as a center of trade because the only all-year accessible road from the Caspian Sea to the Highland started here.

The city has several buildings from the Safavid era, dating to the period in which it was capital of Safavid empire, such as the Chehel Sotoun Palace. Tabriz, Isfahan and Qazvin, as the capitals of Safavids, showcase an array of such extraordinary structures, as Safavids were great patrons of art and architect. Grand bazaar of Qazvin is another example in this regard.

Qazvin is situated close to Alamut, where the famous Hasan-i Sabbah, founder of the secret Ismaili order of the Assassins, operated from. It worth to have a one day tour to the wonderful Castles of the Assassins (Alamout Castle) in the heart of the mountains and visiting Evan Lake on the way in summer, and trekking in the sensational Alamut Valley.Also it contains some buildings built by the Russians in the late 19th/early 20th century, such as Mayor’s office which was Ballet Hall before and some churches.

Grand Bazaar of Qazvin | Photo by: Nasim Keshmiri

Table of Contents

Language

The majority of the people of the province as well as the city of Qazvin are Persian people and the main language of the people of Qazvin is Persian language with the Qazvini accent, although Gilaki and even Turki dialect has been heard among the people.

Climate

The climate of the province in the northern parts is cold and snowy in winters and temperate in summers. In the southern parts the climate is mild with comparatively cold winters and warm summers.

January is the coldest month in the city of Qazvin, with an average low-temperature of -4.7°C. July is the warmest month, With an average high-temperature of 35.6°C.

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Average Temperature in Qazvin

Best time to visit

The best time to visit is the Autumn and spring, and winter is best avoided because temperatures can become very cold. The best time to ski is often January till Apr. For hiking, it is better to go between Jun to September.

Public transportation

You can walk to most attractions if you stay in city center. Otherwise, you can take a taxi or bus. there is no subway in the city.

Bus Terminals

The Qazvin Bus Terminal is in east part of the city.

Train

Qazvin Railway Station is located in south part of city. There are trains to Tehran, Mashhad, Tabriz. From Rasht, there is a daily train to Tehran which pass through Qazvin and you can choose chair car trains (bus trains) or 4-bed compartment trains. They leave Rasht in the afternoon and arrive Tehran at night.