Persian Caravanserai

A Persian caravanserai is a historic roadside inn, commonly found along trade routes like the Silk Road in Iran, designed to support travelers and merchants. Typically rectangular, with thick walls, a central courtyard, and multiple rooms, it provided shelter, food, and safety for both people and animals. These structures facilitated long-distance commerce, encouraging cultural exchange and economic activity across Iran and beyond. Built from local materials, many caravanserais possess distinctive architecture that reflects regional styles, serving as vital hubs for trade and social interaction in Iran’s history.