Noushabad Underground City

Imagine a whole world hidden deep underground—that is exactly what the Nushabad Underground City (also known as Ouyi) looks like. This unique archaeological complex near the city of Kashan, located in Iran, is considered one of the largest and most complex ancient underground structures in the world.

Noushabad Underground City. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Discovered by accident in 2004 during construction work, Nushabad captures the imagination with its ingenious design. It is a multi-level network of hand-carved tunnels, halls, and living chambers. The passages are about 170–180 cm high, allowing ancient residents to move freely through their hidden sanctuary.

The main feature of this place is its invisibility. All entrances to the city were carefully camouflaged, and the internal layout was designed as an impregnable fortress in case of invasion. Today, visitors can descend through special entrances, often located in old water reservoirs (ab-anbars), to touch the secrets of the past.

For more information before your visit, you can use the official contact details of the complex. Although it is an ancient site, it has modern infrastructure to welcome guests.

The main adventure here is exploring the intricate labyrinths that once served as a safe home for hundreds of people. As you descend underground, you can see firsthand the meeting halls, small cells used as living quarters, and secret passages designed for sudden maneuvers or emergency escapes.

Special attention should be paid to the engineering genius of the ancient builders. Take a close look at the ventilation system, which still provides fresh air at depth, as well as the remains of ancient water supply systems. Walking through the narrow corridors allows you to fully experience the atmosphere of security and silence that the ancient Persians sought here.

Tours are usually accompanied by a guide who will reveal the secrets of military stratagems: you will learn about the cunning traps for uninvited guests and how the residents navigated in the pitch darkness. For photographers and history buffs, this place offers unique angles and the chance to capture authentic masonry and vaults that are over 1,500 years old.

This amazing site is located in the town of Nushabad, which is just 10 kilometers north of the city of Kashan. To reach Kashan itself, travelers usually take comfortable buses or trains from Tehran, Isfahan, or Yazd.

The easiest and fastest way to get directly to the entrance of the underground city is by taxi from central Kashan. The ride takes about 15–20 minutes. You can also use local transport that runs between the towns, but a taxi remains the most convenient option for tourists.

If you are traveling by rental car, follow the highway north from Kashan, looking for signs to Nushabad. Once in the town, it is best to head for the central square or ask the friendly locals for directions—everyone here knows “Ouyi City.”

The history of this amazing refuge dates back to antiquity—the Sasanian era (around the 6th century AD). According to local legends, the city was founded by order of a Sasanian king who was struck by the purity and coolness of the local springs and ordered the establishment of a settlement with a reliable shelter here.

The primary purpose of the underground halls was the protection of the population. During periods of unrest and devastating raids by nomads, the residents of Nushabad could quickly hide underground. The scale of the structure is impressive: entire families could stay here for a long time, fully provided with water and access to fresh air through ingenious ventilation shafts.

For many centuries, only a few initiates among the local residents knew about the existence of this colossal complex. Over time, the entrances were buried, and the city was virtually forgotten. Its accidental discovery in 2004, when an ordinary citizen struck hollow spaces while digging a well, became a true world sensation in the field of archaeology.

To leisurely explore the main accessible levels of the underground city, soak in its atmosphere, and take photos, you usually need 1 to 2 hours. This is enough time to walk through the corridors with a guide and study the site's engineering features.

Given that the site is in the suburbs, plan about 3 hours for the entire trip from Kashan and back. A tour of Nushabad fits perfectly into a morning or afternoon program before visiting the historical houses of Kashan itself.

The underground city is open to visitors daily, making it easy for tourists to plan their visit. The complex's schedule is consistent throughout the week:

Monday — Sunday: from 08:00 to 18:00.

It is worth noting that during Iranian public holidays or the holy month of Ramadan, opening hours may vary slightly, so it is recommended to check the latest information with a guide or at your hotel before traveling.

A visit to the Nushabad Underground City can be perfectly complemented by walks in its surroundings. Although the site itself is in a small town, its proximity to a major tourist center allows you to see many interesting places in one day.

The nearby areas mostly feature recreation zones and entertainment parks that help you unwind after diving into ancient history. Below is a list of some sites within driving distance: