Kandovan by Andrea Taroni is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
The village of Kandovan in western Iran has homes that are actually carved into the rock. The rock formations were created from volcanic ash and debris from an eruption of Mount Sahand. They naturally contained pockets which may have helped inhabitants create their homes.
The story is that people originally moved here to escape an invading Mongol army. Some of the homes are 700 years old and most are 2-4 stories high. Residents say that they are actually warm in the winter and cool in the summer. These days the village contains brick, wood, and glass which they have blended in well with the natural cave dwellings. Kando means beehive and is where the name comes from.
If you are interested in visiting, fear not! Tourists can stay in comfort at the Laleh, a 5-star hotel that is also carved into rock!
