Sofeh is the name of a mountain in the Zagros Mountains with a height of 2257 meters in the south of Isfahan. Numerous springs, caves and beauties can be found in this mountain that show its natural value. Interestingly, this mountain also has historical value; It is said that in the distant past, people used Sofeh Mountain as a base and shelter, and the construction and architecture of the castle on this mountain show signs of Sassanid castles. Today, Sofeh Mountain is an interesting recreation area that is very popular with people due to its welfare and recreational facilities. The location of the tomb of the unknown martyrs of eight years of holy defense in this mountain has also increased its importance and has attracted many people.
Due to its excellent location in the city and its complete aristocracy to the river and the lush plain of Zayandehrood, Sofeh Mountain has exceptional and unique conditions that are very important in terms of urban landscape, environmental design and tourism development.
Why is this mountain has been named Sofeh?
Sofeh mountain starts from a spring called Khachik. In this part, the mountain rock is separated from the soil and forms the slope of the mountain. At the end of this mountain, it reaches a smooth and pebble-like rocky space, and this is why it is called Sofeh. Sefa literally means flat space.
Sights of Sofeh Mountain
All the sights of Sofeh Mountain do not end only in the majesty of the mountain and you can find other sights in its vicinity. In the following, we will give a brief description of the attractions of this natural and recreational area.
Wildlife Park
In a part of Sofeh promenade, there is a zoo that has been created in an area of 50,000 square meters and accommodates carnivorous and herbivorous animals. This zoo is actually a small zoo where you can see a number of creatures. Small ponds with a few ducks, geese and swans, whole and goats, rams and sheep, boars, rabbits, dogs and camels, etc. make up the animals of this park.
Valley of ‘Gardana Bad’ and the ‘Rainbow’ Bridge
In the south of Sofeh Mountain, there is a valley known as “Gardana Bad”. In the north and south of this pass, the heights of Sofeh Mountain and the mountain overlooking Sepahan Shahr are located, and since the winds of Isfahan are generally west-east, the wind flow is concentrated and intense at this point. In all seasons of the year, especially autumn and spring, the intensity of the wind in this area is quite evident.
Rainbow Bridge is the name of a stone bridge that is located behind Mount Sofeh and on its western front and is one of the attractions of this mountain.
Springs
3 Among the natural sights of Sofeh Mountain are the springs that are located in different parts of this region. Here are the most important and famous of these springs:
Pa Chenar spring
Pachnar spring is located at an altitude of 1850 meters on Sofeh mountain. The existence of this spring has brought greenery to this area and for this reason, the ancients have chosen the name Pachnar, which means place with green trees, for it.
Naqt spring
To the west of Sofeh Mountain, there is another spring called Naqt. This spring is in the form of a laver where water drips from the top of the mountain. Animals and climbers use the cool water of this spring.
Darvish or Khachik spring
100 meters east of Pachnar spring and at an approximate altitude of 1900 meters, there is another spring called Darvish. This spring is in the form of a natural pond with a roof, which is located at the foot of the mountain. Visiting this spring, you can see how water and greenery are placed in the belly of a large stone hole and have created a beautiful masterpiece. The travelogue of Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a French tourist who made six trips to Isfahan during the reign of Shah Abbas II, is the oldest source in which the name of this spring can be seen.
Yellow flower spring
About 200 meters after Darvish spring and crossing a difficult road, the yellow flower spring can be seen, which has its own beauty. This spring can be seen only by climbers and not everyone can go through its difficult path
Chah Darvish spring
700 meters beyond the Darvish spring and at an altitude of 1800 meters is the Darvish well. The surface of this spring was lower than its surroundings and its water never flowed. For this reason, when Pachnar spring and Darvish spring did not have water, little water was found in this spring. Hence, it was named Cheshmeh Chah Darvish and because it is located on a calcareous land, it is known as a gypsum spring among climbers.
Shah Dej Castle
The most famous attraction of Sofeh Mountain is Shah Dej Castle, which is located at the highest point of the mountain and in its northwest, and it is also known as the Castle of the Demon. This castle has been mentioned many times in history books and legends; But no one knew exactly where the castle was located. About half a century ago, Karo Minasian and Mohammad Mehryar – two scholars from Isfahan – proposed the theory that Shah Dej is the legendary “Castle of the Demon” on Mount Sofeh.
You may be wondering why this castle is here? The answer lies in the military and defense application of the witness. Sofeh mountain is a stubborn, rough and impassable mountain in terms of geological structure and therefore it seems to be quite suitable for creating a defensive structure.
Caves
More than 14 small and large caves can be seen in Sofeh, the most important of which are:
- Kasra Cave next to the wind turbine device in a place called Gardana Bad
- Bidston Cave or Fig or Fig Cave on the western front of Mount Sofeh
- Ghanbar Cave on the eastern front of the mountain and above the Khachik spring
- Seven spring Cave on the southern front of the mountain, next to a series of several springs
- Hyena cave in a place called Hell Valley
- Gang Abad Cave
- Chakad Dastkand Cave, which was created by a group called Chakad.
- Dastkand “Allah” cave, which was created by Pahlavan Sadegh and has been destroyed today.
- Simorgh Cave is the newest cave discovered in this area at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, which was discovered by the Isfahan cave team in late 1991.
The roof of Isfahan
One of the sights of Sofeh Mountain is the views that you have the opportunity to see in this place. In many parts of this 2241 meters’ mountain, you will see a view of Zayandehrood river and Isfahan city. That is why Mount Sofeh is considered a great urban landmark;A sign that can be seen from all parts of the city and on the other hand, when you go up, you will have a unique view of the city of Isfahan. That is why Mount Safa is called the roof of Isfahan. You can easily reach this roof by cable car and take advantage of its facilities such as restaurants and cafes.
Recreational facilities in Sofeh Mountain
Today, due to the development of urbanization and the growth of sports and leisure needs, the performance of Sofeh Mountain has taken a different form and new entertainments have emerged in it.
Different sports
Proximity to the city of Isfahan, suitable height and variety of elevations and heights, are the features of Sofeh Mountain and this has made this place one of the popular places for recreational sports. In this promenade, you can do sports such as walking, hill climbing, mountaineering and rock climbing.
Sofeh cable car
The cable car is one of the attractive recreational and welfare facilities of this region, which has many fans. Sofeh cable car has two lines. The first line starts from the foot of the mountain and raises people to the Gardana Bad. Fifty-six-person cabins run along the 1,900-meter route along this line and serve the people. While riding on this cable car line, you will see beautiful mountain views, the roof of Isfahan and eye-catching natural landscapes. The two-cab line is 800 meters long and has 10 six-person cabins. This line goes from Gardana Bad (second station) to the top of Sofeh Mountain and reaches the historical castle of Shah Dej.
Bowling Center
Bowling is a fun sport that requires concentration and challenges you. Fans of this sport can go to the bowling center next to the Sofeh cable car and experience pleasant and memorable hours. This center has an area of about 1000 square meters and has 10 game lines.
Zipline and suspension bridge
One of the new and popular and of course exciting entertainments is zip line and suspension bridge that you can find in many entertainment centers recently. You can also taste this excitement in Sofeh promenade and create a pleasant memory for yourself. In this promenade, the name of this recreational part has been given to the flying fox.
Sofeh Inflatable Park
If you have a child with you and you like him to have fun, be sure to make your way to Sefeh Inflatable Park and let him drain his energy there.
Children and adults playground
At the foot of the mountain, next to the cable car station, there is a small amusement park where both children and adults can have fun. Among the devices available in this amusement park, the following can be mentioned:
Trampoline, ball pool, helicopter, baby ship, electric car, somersault, Frisbee Ranger, big ship, inflatable slide, Mary Go around 6-seater, 12-seater ship, 4-seater baby train.
5D cinema
Multidimensional cinemas can be seen in many entertainment centers. In Sofeh, you can go to 5D cinema and get immersed in excitement for a few minutes. The cinema hall is equipped with accelerator seats and also creates special physical, motor and sensory effects such as wind, storm, bubble, water spray, creating aroma, heat, cold, etc.
