Meybod Pigeon Tower
A remarkable historical dovecote, the Meybod Pigeon Tower showcases ingenious ancient architecture designed for agricultural fertilizer.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, soft light
Meybod Pigeon Tower
Best Time
Pleasant weather, soft light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remarkable historical dovecote, the Meybod Pigeon Tower showcases ingenious ancient architecture designed for agricultural fertilizer.
"A beautiful, historically significant tower with a unique purpose, offering a glimpse into ancient ingenuity."
📸 Capture the Light
Visit during golden hour for stunning light play on the pigeon holes.
💰 Foreigner Entrance Fee
Expect a higher entrance fee for foreigners (around 10,000 Tomans).
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Tower's Intricate Facade
Exterior
Marvel at the honeycomb-like structure with thousands of pigeon holes, a testament to ingenious ancient engineering.
Interior Pigeon Niches
Interior
Step inside to see the detailed internal structure designed to house and protect thousands of pigeons.
Rooftop Views
Rooftop
Climb to the top for panoramic views of Meybod and the surrounding desert landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding Its Purpose
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Light
Visit during golden hour for stunning light play on the pigeon holes.
💰 Foreigner Entrance Fee
Expect a higher entrance fee for foreigners (around 10,000 Tomans).
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs to the roof, so comfortable footwear is a must.
⏳ Quick Visit
About 20 minutes is usually enough time to explore the tower.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Light
Visit during golden hour for stunning light play on the pigeon holes.
💰 Foreigner Entrance Fee
Expect a higher entrance fee for foreigners (around 10,000 Tomans).
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs to the roof, so comfortable footwear is a must.
⏳ Quick Visit
About 20 minutes is usually enough time to explore the tower.
🛡️ Protected from Predators
Notice the scientific design to keep snakes and other predators out.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Meybod Pigeon Tower a unique and architecturally fascinating site, appreciating its historical agricultural purpose and the intricate design of its pigeon holes. While some note it lacks the grandeur of other Iranian towers, its cool atmosphere and well-preserved state are highlighted as positives. The entrance fee for foreigners is a common point of mention.
"This pigeon tower is one of the most beautiful pigeon towers that I have seen in Iran. The indirect sunlight that falls into the pigeon tower creates a subtle and beautiful play of light and shadows around the pigeon holes.
Pigeon towers were built to collect the excrements of the pigeons so that they could be used as fertilizer in the fields. It is also said that the pigeons would protect citizens from an approaching army by flying out of the tower when they hear the noise of hooves made on and transmitted by the ground."
Paul Meylemans
"I like dovecote towers and it was a clean one cause the put glasses on windows so they couldn't make a home in there ☹️
And it also didn't have that special architecture like Isfahan Mardavij tower.
Anyways it's good to have them protected and I enjoyed its cool atmosphere."
Ali Soltani
"this dovecote tower belongs to Qajar time ( 1800s AD) & located just near the Narin Castle ( around 800 meter ) . Dovecote towers where used throughout Iran to collect the pigeon & dove’s dung ( manure ) which is a very useful fertilizer . Meybod Dovecot tower is a two story building which can house 4000 pigeons . there is a plastered ring around the tower in white color to prevent repltiles like snakes to get in & disturb the birds inside . some big bowls are installed on the roof to water the birds in the hot seasons . interior architecture is also a masterpiece as it is built in a way to prevent the whole structure from destruction caused by birds vibration while they flutter ."
Mason
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Meybod is a short drive from Yazd, often visited as a day trip. You can hire a taxi or join a guided tour. The tower is located near the Narin Castle, making it easy to combine visits.
While public transport to Meybod exists, getting directly to the tower might require a local taxi or a walk from the main town area. It's often easier to arrange transport if you're on a tour.
Many visitors combine the Pigeon Tower with Narin Castle and other historical sites in Meybod. Consider hiring a local guide or a car for efficient exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee varies for locals and foreigners. Iranians typically pay around 2,500 Tomans, while foreigners can expect to pay around 10,000 Tomans.
While specific hours can vary, it's generally open during daylight hours, aligning with typical tourist site schedules in Iran. It's always a good idea to check locally if possible.
Tickets are usually purchased on-site at the entrance. Advance booking is generally not required for this attraction.
The tower has stairs to access the roof, which may be challenging for those with significant mobility issues. The lower levels are generally accessible.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, creating beautiful shadows and highlighting the tower's texture.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be respectful of the site and other visitors. Avoid using flash in enclosed spaces if it might disturb wildlife.
Visitors often capture the intricate patterns of the pigeon holes, the play of light and shadow, and panoramic views from the rooftop.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
Built during the Safavid or Qajar era, these towers were crucial for collecting pigeon guano, a valuable fertilizer before chemical alternatives. +1
Its cylindrical shape and the intricate design of thousands of small holes (niches) are key features. The structure was engineered to withstand pigeon vibrations and prevent predators.
Estimates vary, but some sources suggest these towers could house anywhere from 4,000 to 25,000 pigeons.
No, its primary purpose was agricultural. While some legends suggest pigeons might alert to approaching armies, this was not its main function.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pairing the visit with the nearby Narin Castle provides a more varied historical experience. Pack snacks and water, as facilities might be limited. The relatively short visit time (around 20 minutes) is ideal for keeping younger attention spans engaged.
📸 Photographers
Don't miss the opportunity to capture the panoramic views from the rooftop. The vast desert landscape surrounding Meybod offers a stark and beautiful backdrop. Experiment with different angles and focal lengths to highlight the tower's unique architecture and its integration with the environment.
🏛️ History Buffs
Combine your visit with other historical sites in Meybod, such as Narin Castle and the Caravanserai of Zein-o-din, to gain a more complete picture of the region's historical significance as a desert trade and settlement hub.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ingenious Design of Dovecotes
Beyond housing the birds, the design incorporated clever defenses. A plastered ring around the exterior, often white, served to deter climbing predators like snakes. The entrance was also scientifically designed to prevent animals such as eagles, hawks, and owls from entering and disturbing the nesting pigeons. This meticulous planning ensured the safety of the birds and the efficient collection of their valuable waste.
These structures represent a fascinating intersection of architecture, agriculture, and animal husbandry. They highlight the resourcefulness of past civilizations in maximizing their environment and resources. Visiting the Meybod Pigeon Tower offers a tangible connection to this unique aspect of Iran's historical landscape.
+1Meybod: A Historical Oasis
Beyond the castle and the pigeon tower, Meybod boasts other fascinating sites. The Caravanserai of Zein-o-din is a beautifully restored roadside inn, offering a tangible connection to the Silk Road era. You can also explore the Ice House (Yakhchal), a remarkable ancient refrigerator that used to store ice year-round, showcasing ingenious desert survival techniques.
Exploring Meybod provides a comprehensive understanding of desert life and historical ingenuity in Iran. It's a destination that rewards visitors with a deeper appreciation for the region's past, from its agricultural practices to its defensive strategies and trade networks.
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