Yazd Tower of Silence

The Yazd Tower of Silence is a Zoroastrian funerary structure (dakhma) located on a hill near the city of Yazd in central Iran. It was built and used according to the traditional Zoroastrian practice of excarnation, where bodies were placed on circular exposure platforms rather than buried or cremated.

The site is characterised by circular, terraced platforms arranged for exposure and by simple masonry walls; the form reflects longstanding religious and practical funerary traditions of Zoroastrian communities. It is a frequently visited heritage landmark in Yazd and is commonly included on cultural tours for its religious and architectural significance.

The tower stands on elevated ground just outside Yazd in Yazd Province, overlooking the city and the surrounding arid plains of central Iran. It is accessible from Yazd and is often visited together with other Zoroastrian and historic sites in the city.

• Function: The structure is a Zoroastrian dakhma, a funerary tower used historically for exposure of the dead under Zoroastrian excarnation practices.
• Location note: It sits on a hill on the outskirts of the city and is visible from parts of Yazd, offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert plain.

• Plan to arrive at the Tower of Silence at or shortly before sunset-the hilltop offers a sweeping panorama over Yazd as the city lights come on and guided visits are commonly scheduled in the late afternoon.
• Treat the site as a sacred place: observe from designated viewpoints, follow posted rules, and do not climb onto or walk across the burial terraces; local guides and the Yazd visitor centre can explain the history and cultural context.
• Combine the visit with a stop at the nearby Zoroastrian fire temple and the Zoroastrian Museum in Yazd to get fuller context; ask guides about visiting times because access to the towers themselves is restricted.