Masuleh Terraced Village

The terraced village on the forested slopes of Gilan province is famous for houses built so closely up the hillside that the roof of one dwelling forms the courtyard or street of the one above. This stepped arrangement means the village has no conventional roads through its core, and pedestrians move across rooftops and connecting stairways. Yellow-ochre clay facades and wooden balconies give it a distinctive look against the green mountains. Visitors can wander the interlocking levels and browse the craft stalls along the way.