Masuleh is approximately 60 km southwest of
Rasht and 32 km west of
Fuman. The village is 1,050 meters above sea level in the
Alborz (or Elburz) mountain range, near the southern coast of the Caspian Sea.
The village itself has a difference in elevation of 100 meters.
The first village of Masuleh was established around 1006 AD, 6 km northwest of the current city, and it is called Old-Masuleh (Kohneh Masuleh in Persian).
People moved from Old-Masuleh to the current city because of pestilence and attacks from neighbouring communities.
Masouheh-Rood-Khan is the river passing through the city, with a waterfall located just 200 meters away from the village.
Many other springs are found around Masuleh. above the Caspian Sea. Masouleh is registered as historical towns in the historical & cultural heritage register under the number 1090.
Masuleh is surrounded by forest from valley to mount.
Fog is the predominant weather feature of Masuleh.
This beautiful complex, remained from history with traditions, manners and customs, handicrafts, and many natural and historical sites, is the
...see more host of thousands of eager guests and travelers every year.
Masuleh architecture is unique.
The buildings have been built into the mountain and are interconnected. Courtyards and roofs both serve as pedestrian areas similar to streets. Masuleh does not allow any motor vehicles to enter, due to its unique layout.
It is the only city in Iran with such a prohibition. However, the small streets and many stairs simply wouldn't make it possible for vehicles to enter.
The spectacular architecture of Masuleh is popularly known as "The yard of the building above is the roof of the building below".
Yellow clay coats the exterior of most buildings in Masuleh.
This allows for better visibility in the fog.
Buildings are mostly two stories (1st floor and 'ground' floor) made of adobe, rods and bole. A small living room, big guest room, winter room, hall, WC and balcony are usually found in 1st floor.
A cold closet, barn and stable are located on the floor below, which are connected to the upper floor by several narrow steps inside the building.
There are four main local communities at the city named: "Maza-var" (meaning beside the Mosque) at the south, "Khana-var" (beside homes) at the East, "Kasha-sar" (stretched on top) at the North, and, "Assa-mahala" (Assad community) at the West.
Apparently, down town is the Market (Bazaar) area and also the main Mosque Of the city, named "O-ne-ben-ne Ali" (Awn Ibn Mohammad Ibn Ali Ibn. Abi Taleb) built in 969 AD.
Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masuleh
http://www.iranreview.org/content/Documents/Masouleh-Village-On-the-Rooftops.htm
