Hiding behind the town’s high mud-brick walls are hundreds of large traditional houses built by wealthy merchants, monuments to the importance of Kashan as a Qajar-era commercial hub. Built during the 19th century, most have long since been carved up or are literally turning to dust, but several have been restored and are open to the public. All are set around a series of interlinked courtyards and are embellished with fine stucco panels, ostentatious stained glass and lofty badgirs .
