Kandovan (Iran): High in the northwestern mountains of Iranian lies the unique village of Kandovan.
All the houses in this unusual village are entirely carved from the near-by mountain.
Home to over 200 families, Kandovan is set in a tranquil and vegetated river valley.
The architecture of the houses is thought to date back to the 13th century AD.
Built out of volcanic rock and ash, the small houses have been eroded by the elements over thousands of years.
Today the houses are shaped like cones and pyramids, with some measuring 60 metres.
Shahram Naseri is a local resident.
Sitting at home with his children he says the houses are cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
No need for air conditioning in these homes.
Besides the rustic sitting rooms, two mosques and many storerooms have been dug inside the mountain.
Narrow streets in the village have been shaped by years of rain.
Despite being isolated, tourists from around the world can be found wandering the narrow streets.
Ann Mary, a Swiss tourist, says she is very impressed with Kandovan’s architecture.
For sale in the local market are all sorts of dried herbs and spices, believed to cure a wide variety of ailments.
Dariush Naseri, a local herb seller, says most villagers make a living from farming and bee keeping.
In addition some enterprising residents sell handicrafts to visiting tourists.
Many Iranian tourists also make the journey to Kandovan.
Wandering through the narrow streets is Akram Shakeri, says she has come to enjoy the tranquillity and peace of the village.
Peace and quiet is certainly what the village of Kandovan has to offer to all those visiting it.
Kandovan is located 50 kilometres (around 31 miles) south of town of Tabriz.
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