Also known as: Saraian Safavid Caravanserai

Sarayan caravanserai is a Safavid-era (1501-1736) caravanserai in the city of Sarayan in South Khorasan Province. Located in a historical complex consisting of a mosque, an ancient bathhouse with a stone inscription dating back to 1544, an ab anbar (a traditional reservoir for drinking water), with an inscription dating back to 1667, and an old bazaar.

Sarayan Caravanserai is one of the oldest tourist attractions of the city, which is still in use. This caravanserai is a two-portico building and its architectural spaces are: an entrance located at the southern side, with gable vault and karbandi decorations; a vestibule leading to minor rooms on the both sides and the courtyard in the front; several cells for the repose of caravans; two porches on the northern and southern sides; and a stable located behind the porch and northern cells. Sarayan Caravanserai is a monument related to Safavid era and is known as Rabat-e Shah Abbasi.

Caravanserai is a compound word combining “caravan” with “Sara”. The former stands for a group of travelers and Sara means the building. They often had massive portals supported by elevated load-bearing walls. Guest rooms were constructed around the courtyard and stables behind them with doors in the corners of the yard.