Timeless majesty of the Harzavil Cypress
The Harzavil Cypress is a giant and ancient tree, estimated to be between 1,000 and 3,000 years old. This unique natural monument stands approximately 30 meters tall and boasts a diameter of nearly four meters.
The name Harzavil refers to a village of the same name, located within the city boundaries of Manjil in Gilan Province. The cypress was registered on Iran’s National Heritage List in1987 and is currently protected by environmental regulations.
Villagers consider this cypress sacred, viewing it as a symbol of good fortune. Deeply rooted in their land, it has become a permanent natural landmark for the residents of Harzavil village.
The Harzavil Cypress is also mentioned in the travelogue of Nasereddin Shah Qajar, dating back to the 1870s CE. During his visit, Nasereddin Shah wrote, “We had our afternoon meal in the shade of this colossal tree, and the musicians, hidden among the branches and foliage, played delightful tunes, leaving us in awe.”
The Harzavil village, like many others in Rudbar and Manjil, was completely destroyed in the earthquake of 1990. Today, all the buildings in the village date back to the post-reconstruction period and are situated near the ancient cypress tree. This proximity has raised serious concerns, as wastewater and other daily pollutants from the village may threaten the life of this venerable tree.
Visiting the Harzavil Cypress is free and open to all, allowing you to explore the village at any hour of the day or night. The cypress trees remain vibrant and green throughout the year, making any season a suitable time for a visit to this natural attraction. However, it’s worth noting that the full beauty of the Harzavil Cypress and the wind turbines in Manjil can only be appreciated during daylight hours. Moreover, the wind turbines on the hills of Manjil look especially enchanting at sunrise and sunset.