TEHRAN – Iran launched a rural literary tourism route in Candelos village in the north Mazandara province, linking it with local folklore and cultural and ecological tourism, officials said.
The 1-kilometer route introduces visitors to the legend of “Mina and the Leopard” through a series of themed stations, including Mina’s reconstructed houses, murals, tale paintings, iconic sculptures and story-inspired cafes.
Hossain Izadi of Mazandaran’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Bureau said the initiative aims to deepen tourism by providing a “story-based” experience that combines history, literature and landscape. “The idea is that visitors not only see the sights, but also connect with Kandelous’s cultural history through legend,” he told state media.
Often called the “Lost Paradise,” Candelos is known for its preserved country architecture, wooden framed windows, stone alleys and gabled rooftops. The village also has a museum of bone and medicinal plants, where over 250 rare herbs are grown.
The important site is the Candelos Anthropology Museum, founded by local scholar Dr. Aliasgarjangalli, which contains over 8,000 artifacts such as pottery, manuscripts, and agricultural tools. The museum has documented rural traditions and has played a role in protecting knowledge of medicinal plants used in the area for centuries.
Officials are expected to boost Candelos’ role as a cultural tourism hub by providing a multisensory experience and linking visitors with Iranian folklore and local traditions.
morning