Nushabad is one of the ancient and historical areas in the north of Isfahan province and is located five kilometers from Kashan. Underground cities were built vertically and horizontally to protect people’s lives and property. One of these historical underground cities is the city of Oyi or Nushabad in Kashan.
The largest underground city in Iran is Nushabad Kashan. This famous city is one of the most amazing and beautiful underground cities in the world, whose architecture and charm dazzle the eyes. This underground city was discovered in 2006, quite by accident, by a person who was digging a well in his house. After the discovery of this collection and archaeological research, it has been hypothesized that people at that time used diamond-like tools to build this handmade underground city.
The underground city of Nushabad is also known as “Oyi” among the people of the region. It is said that it belongs to the Sassanid era and it dates back to about 1500 years. “Oyi” in Kashani language is equivalent to the Persian word “Ahay”.
Because the structure of this city is nested and dark, people called out loud to find each other and say the word “Oyi”, and perhaps that is why this city is also known among the people as the city of “Oyi”. “Oyi”, which is said to have been the capital during the reign of Anushirvan, is about two hectares wide and 4 to 18 meters deep, and was built on three floors that had a special use. One of the characteristics of this underground city is that it is hand-made.
Nushabad is built on three floors with special purposes; The first floor consists of corridors used to mislead invaders and enemies. Crossing the corridors was possible only vertically, and after crossing them, the road continued horizontally to enter the next floor, and the second and third floors were where people lived and stored food in times of danger.
It is said that during the Mongol invasions, this city was used for the security of the people. Although many parts of this underground city were destroyed by floods and over time, the pottery found in this city shows its long history. These pottery dates back to one thousand eight hundred years ago. The history of the creation and use of this building dates back to the Sassanid era and early Islam, which continues in later periods, ie Seljuk to Safavid and even Qajar.
Vertical wells act as floor communication channels, and U-shaped wells have been used for air conditioning. It has come from people’s houses and social centers such as baths and mosques, as well as the castle next to the city. The spaces intended for the city are equal to the necessary spaces and its ventilation system works based on the difference between air pressure and the ground surface, which makes possible the circulation and purification of air for breathing in it. Small rooms measuring two by two meters, basic toilets, shelters, communication tunnels and air conditioning and water wells are among the spaces of this underground city.
There is currently only one entrance to visit this underground city, although archaeologists believe that it had several entrances that were blocked and destroyed by floods over the years. To enter the dream and beautiful city of Oyi, you can enter only from one entrance, and after passing forty-five steps, we encounter a dense structure and many corridors in the depths of the earth, after which we reach the main parts.
The city of Oyi has many architectural wonders that can dazzle the eyes of its visitors and make them think for hours. Oyi is the most attractive city of Nushabad, which attracts many tourists every year. Many tourists are still unaware of the existence of this city. This beautiful and special city was registered as a cultural heritage in 2006 with the number 15816.

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