Gilan Rural Heritage Museum, in the Saravan forest just outside Rasht, is Iran’s first eco-museum, opened in 2005 after a major regional earthquake accelerated the loss of traditional rural buildings across the province.
Rather than replicas, it has relocated and reconstructed 28 original rural houses from across Gilan, alongside workshops for pottery, basket-weaving and Rashti embroidery that keep those crafts and the income they generate alive. It holds 4.6 on Google across 849 reviews.
Local tip: Combine it with the neighbouring Saravan Forest Park; both sit on the same road about 15km south of the city centre.
Good to know
- Where: Fuman-Saravan Road, Saravan, Rasht, Gilan Province, Iran
- City: Rasht
Plan your visit to Rasht