Marco Polo described the desert city of Yazd as a “good and noble” city. According to UNESCO, it is one of the oldest towns on earth. The architecture is perhaps the most traditionally Persian to be found, preserved by the hot, dry climate and spared the devastation of Arab, Mongol, and Timurid invasions. Of particular note are the badgers, and wind-catchers. Yazd is also the center of Iran’s small remaining Zoroastrian population. There are numerous fire temples and other Zoroastrian places of pilgrimage.