Visit Shushtar and you will be impressed by this fortress city in the south-west of Iran. Also known as Surkutir, the buildings and constructions here can be traced back to the Achaemenian times. The irrigation system here which can be seen today, were begun on a tributary of River Gargar and later modified during the rule of the Sassanid dynasty.

Not only are the Shushtar waterfalls really beautiful, but they also form the basis of a unique water engineering technology. The system had such modern and innovative technology, that it is still used today. It is now registered in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Innovative Use of Resources

The waterworks system near the Shushtar waterfalls consists of many dams, bridges, aquifers, tunnels, reservoirs and mills in it, the construction of which is said to have been done by Shapur I of the Sassanid dynasty. Cultural interactions were also promoted in this region in the midst of this irrigation system.

Full of natural beauty, this area is a great draw for tourists who visit Iran, and especially for those who visit Shushtar. The waterfalls here are used even today to irrigate the Shushtar plain. You can still see the original water wheels dating back to the times between 1501 and 1722.

Useful Water

There are many watermills near the Shushtar waterfalls which you can see when you visit Shushtar. These mills function through the power generated by the river Gargar, its canals and the waterfall. There are about 32 - 40 mills here which have no problem in continuous operation due to the always gushing water in this area.

This river also supports the needs of the people living in the city of Shushtar. There are no complaints of water shortage in the city. This unique harnessing of water power here is also prior to the famed Industrial Revolution which started in Europe many years later.

An Attractive Tourist Spot

When you visit this site, you can see many tunnels carved in lime rocks leading the water through the mills. The rocks near the Shushtar waterfalls have these tunnels. The difference in the elevation of the upstream and downstream levels is the cause of the beautiful waterfalls. It is a great sight to see for the tourists who have discovered this place.

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Shadorvan bridge is one of the beautiful locales you can see when you visit Shushtar. It is located in the Khuzestan province of Iran. Along with this bridge, you will also find the Mizan dam and the Dariun creek which are found in Shushtar. These structures have been constructed over the river Karoon which flows alongside the beautiful city of Shushtar. These structures are quite old but have been pretty well maintained.

The bridge is a reminder of the architecture of the Sassanian dynasty. Shahpur I built this bridge for dual purposes. He wanted to connect both sides of the Karoon river. He also wanted to divert the water to the Dariun creek. By raising the level of the river, this purpose could be achieved.

Great Structures on Water

You will be impressed by the work of Shahpur I when you visit Iran. Along with building Shadorvan bridge, he also made the Mizan dam to properly use the waters of the river Karoon. He made it possible to divide it into two tributaries called Shotate and Gargar. There are 9 entrances in this dam. The bottom of some of these entrances is even lower than the lowest level of water in the river.

Dariun creek was named after Darius I of the Achaemenid dynasty which was made in the downstream side of the Mizan dam. And in the downstream side of the Dariun creek, you will find the Shadorvan bridge. The main purpose of the bridge-cum-dam is to irrigate the Mianab plain.

Excellent Engineering

When you visit Shushtar, you will surely come across the river Karoon, which is the largest one in Iran, used for transporting goods and people. It is the only navigable river you will see when you are traveling in Iran. This Shadorvan bridge also has a Sassanian influence like many other bridges in Iran. After the defeat of the Roman Emperor Valerian by Shapur I, Romans were made to construct the bridges and dams across the country.

These structures are well known for their engineering greatness. The piers of this bridge have a width of 7 meters with 8 meters separating the channels. Traditional Iranian cement made of sand, ash, yoke, water and rubbles, has gone into the making of this structure which is also called the Shapouri bridge. What is left from this bridge is in pretty good condition even after so many years of its construction.

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Mention the name “Sauze d’Oulx” and most Europeans immediately associate it with skiing. However, Sauze d’Oulx in Northern Italy is a town with many faces.

Sauze d’Oulx, which is a commune as well as a town, has a worldwide reputation as a premier ski destination. This is largely due to its exposure during the 2006 Winter Olympic Games.

The Games’ freestyle skiing events were held in the town’s ski resort. Prior to that time, and continuing today, it still plays a major role in skiing championships and contests.

Sauze d’Oulx is located in the very northwestern corner of Italy at the foot of Monte Genevris. It lies on the border of Italy and France. Visitors from both countries make up a majority of the town’s annual tourists.

Sauze d’Oulx, Italy’s biggest tourism drawing card is still, and will probably always be, skiing. The town is by no means deserted in the summer, though. Its tourism officials and leaders work hard to push it as a summer destination as well.

Its mountains are ideal for a number of summer time activities and sports. The resort leaves chairlifts open year-round so that visitors can see the mountain and participate in other activities even after the snow disappears.

The town is becoming more well-known today for its popularity with mountain bikers. Certain chairlifts are designated for bikes. Riders can transport their bicycles to the top of the mountain and bicycle down.

There they will find numerous well-maintained and marked trails for both cross-country and freeride. Mountain bike instructors are on hand all summer long to guide and teach bikers of all skill levels. Mountain bikes can even be rented in several places in the village.

Visitors who prefer to explore the mountain without wheels can so in a number of ways. Trekking/hiking is a popular activity. Mountain climbing is also available for the more adventurous.

Explorers on foot can also enjoy simply walking on one of the many designated walking trails located around the mountain. Tourists will also find signed footpaths in the valley which connect the various hamlets. They venture through a range of terrain, like alpine meadows, and through the town’s lush forests.

Horse back riding day trips are also popular with summer tourists. Outfitters are available to set up visitors with a horse, lessons and guided tours.

Many fishermen choose Sauze d’Oulx, Italy in the summer as a destination. The town is home to two alpine lakes. Both are well-stocked with trout and offer an opportunity to relax and enjoy sport fishing in one of the most beautiful locations in Europe.

Rates for accommodations are slightly lower in the off-season than in winter. This is another advantage of visiting Sauze d’Oulx in the summer.

The town is home to a variety of accommodations, including numerous luxury hotels, condos, chalets and many private rentals. Lower rates can often be found when making private arrangements for accommodations.

Summertime activities in Sauze d’Oulx have become more popular over the last decade. Many local shops which previously outfitted skiers only have diversified and now outfit visitors for off-season activities and sports as well.

This effort has helped to contribute to the growth of off-season tourism, which has become a vital part of sustaining the town’s overall economy. It’s probable that “Sauze d’Oulx, Italy” will always be synonymous with skiing. However, tourists who love the area for its natural beauty and those who don’t ski can find great vacation options all year-round.

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There is something unique and different about the Khaju bridge in Isfahan. Made under the orders of Shah Abbas II in the year 1650, it is a beautiful structure across the river Zayandeh. There was already an existing bridge which was modified and reconstructed to give its modern form. It stretches for a distance of 105 meters and is 14 meters wide.

You can count 23 arches in it and it connects the Khaju quarter in the north to the Zoroastrian quarter in the south. The downstream side of the bridge has several steps built into it which also performs the function of a weir. Thus the water level is lowered which you can see when you visit Isfahan.

Design of Khajou Bridge

Bricks and stones make up the structure and there are 7.5 meters width for the people and vehicles to pass on the structure. About 21 large and 26 small outlet and inlet channels have been constructed. You will be surprised by the size of the stones used on the Khaju bridge. Each stone is about 2 meters long. The distance between the ceiling base and each channel is also 21 meters which is quite impressive. There are many inscriptions on the structure which date back to 1873.

Using the Water

Under the 23 arches in the Khaju bridge are the sluice gates which can be opened or closed to allow enough water to pass through. Since there is fertile land close to the structure, water could be diverted to these lands from the river by closing the sluice gates. The beautiful gardens located upstream were watered by this river.

Significant Design

The entire Khajou bridge has been designed with a lot of purposes in mind. The main path across the structure was for the horses and carts, while the sides were vaulted to allow pedestrians to walk across. People could also spend a lot of time enjoying the view of the gushing river on the octagonal pavilions toward the middle of the bridge.

There are steps leading down, which people could use for spending their leisure time. However, many renovations are recently taking place which you will see when you visit Isfahan.

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Among the several famous bridges you will see while traveling in Iran, you must visit Si-o-Se Pol which is one of the most beautiful structures known for its numerous arches. It is also known as 33 Arches or the Allah Verdi Khan Bridge. It dates back to Safavid era and it has been constructed using an ingenuous engineering design.

Shah Abbas I started this project and the structure was built under the able guidance of Allahverdi Khan, who was the chancellor during the rule of Shah Abbas I. The unique design has two rows with 33 arches. The beginning of the bridge is marked by a large base plank where there is a wonderful tea house. The river Zayandeh can be seen in its full splendor here when you visit Isfahan.

View of the Bridge

When you travel along the main street in Isfahan, known as Chahar Bagh, you will be able to visit Si-o-Se Pol. It is connecting the main street of the city on both banks. Built in the 17th century it was named after Allahverdi Khan who looked after the construction. It stretches for a length of 175 yards and allows 45 feet width for the vehicles and people to pass through. It has very impressive looks, especially when it is lighted up at night. Another name for the structure is Jolfa bridge.

Construction of Allah Verdi Khan Bridge

When you visit Si-o-se Pol, you will be impressed by the brick and stone work done on the structure. Research has confirmed that originally there were 40 arches, which were later reduced to 33 after several renovations. The structure was built along with the construction of the Chahar Bagh. Shah Abbas got these historical structures made simultaneously.

The bridge was one of the many structures made across the river Zayandeh. This river has its source in the Zagros mountains and mainly flows through Isfahan, ending in a water basin called Gav Khuni marshland.

Other Nearby Bridges

There are many other famous bridges constructed over this river which can be seen when you visit Si-o-Se Pol. Marnan bridge is a very old structure found near this one. You will also be able to see the Khaju bridge, which is well known for its famous architecture when you visit Isfahan. You cannot help admiring these bridges while traveling in Iran.

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