The stepped village of Masuleh

**Masuleh**, the stepped jewel of northern Iran, is one of the most stunning villages in the country, attracting thousands of tourists annually with its unique architecture and rich history. Here, we have gathered everything you need to know about Masuleh.

**Age**: Over **800 years** (some sources refer to the pre-Islamic period)

**World Heritage**: Registered on UNESCO's tentative list (2021)

**A turbulent history**

1. **Ancient period**: Probably the residence of the Cadusii tribes

2. **4th-5th century AH**: Flourished during the Buyid dynasty

3. **8th century AH**: Migration of old Masuleh residents (Old Masuleh) to the current location after an earthquake

4. **Safavid period**: Became a base for the Ismailis

5. **1975 (Solar Hijri calendar)**: Registered as a national heritage site

**Amazing architecture**

**Stepped style**: Houses are built like giant steps on top of each other

**Features**:

The roof of each house is the courtyard of the house above

Materials: stone, wood, and clay

Coloring: white walls with green windows

**Pristine nature**

**Vegetation**: Hyrcanian forests with beech, oak, and hornbeam trees

**Waterfalls**: Masuleh waterfall (30 meters high) and Larkouh waterfall

**Animal species**: Brown bear, leopard, forest squirrel

**Culture and customs**

**Dialect**: Talysh with Masuleh accent

**Handicrafts**:

Felt making

Chamush sewing (local shoes)

Woolen handwoven fabrics

**Festivals**:

Aroos Goleh (rice harvest festival)

Nowruz Khani

**10 unique experiences in Masuleh**

1. Walking in the **traditional market** with old shops

2. Drinking **local tea** on balconies overlooking the valley

3. Watching the **village covered in morning mist**

4. Hiking to **Shah Moalem peak** (2,800 meters)

5. Buying **forest honey** and local olives

6. Visiting the **Masuleh ethnographic museum**

7. Photographing the **historic stairways**

8. Tasting **local Kamaj** (a type of sweet)

9. Spending the night in **eco-lodges**

10. Watching the **sunset** from the cable car

**Local foods**

**Torsheh Kebab**: Special kebab with pomegranate paste

**Sirabij**: Local dish with garlic and walnuts

**Baghali Ghatogh**: With unique northern flavor

⚠️ **Important warnings**

**Slippery paths**: Especially on rainy days

**Limited nightlife**: Low lighting after sunset

**Privacy respect**: Many rooftops are private courtyards

**Best time to visit**

**Spring**: Mild weather and lush nature (May-June)

**Summer**: Escape from city heat

**Autumn**: Sea cloud views (September-October)

**Winter**: Frost and some closed paths

**Masuleh honors**

One of the **top 10 tourist villages in Iran**

Registered as **national heritage** (1975)

Candidate for UNESCO World Heritage registration

Masuleh is not just a village; it is an experience of human coexistence with nature over centuries. Here, history breathes in its stone carpets and every step has a story to tell. Are you planning to travel to this stepped paradise?