Ravaniz Caravanserai

🕰️When was it built?

The portal decoration has led to the caravanserai being attributed to the Timurid period, in the 15th century. It joined Iran's National Heritage List on 15 February 2009 as number 24659.

🏛️What was it built for?

This robat was a stop on the Gorgan to Nishapur route. Caravanserais gave travellers and their animals a rest between stages of a journey. It once had a camel stable and courtyard, but today mainly part of its gateway stands.

👀What you will see

• The surviving gateway section is made of stone and sarooj mortar; look at the materials and their joints from a safe distance.
• The surviving portal is the main feature identifying the caravanserai; its decoration helped date the building to the Timurid period.
• Nowruz Tappeh stands near the caravanserai and, with the stone site, forms part of the landscape of Ravaniz's remains.

💡Something interesting

Colonel Edward Yate also found Ravaniz ruined in his old account, with the camel stable and courtyard barely recognisable. So the ruin is not recent; it began long ago.

🎒Good to know before you go

• Before going, ask local cultural heritage staff about the route and whether visits are possible.
• Do not climb walls to see the portal or stand beside unstable sections. Do not remove pottery or move stones at the archaeological site.