The ancient Persian Empire was powerful and wealthy. History has left many historical treasures. Iran is a gem to visit, especially for those who are interested in archaeological finds. Iran is a relatively quiet destination in the turbulent Middle East. The country manages to keep the conflicts reasonably out of the door. That does not mean there is no involvement, but since the Iran-Iraq war there have been no significant conflicts involving the country in Iran itself. This factor and the fact that the country has a lot to offer in terms of sights make Iran an excellent travel destination. On this page we will review a number of these sights. Check topmbadirectory for how to get to Iran.
Iran ‘s Top 10 Attractions
#1. Persepolis
Persepolis, built by Darius I, is located in the south of Iran. This ancient settlement was originally called Parsa. Persepolis is a Greek name and means as much as ‘City of the Persians’. This translation suggests that this is an ancient city, but no remains of houses have been found during excavations. In total, Persepolis contained twelve structures that were used in audiences of the shahs. It was especially busy during the Persian New Year, when nationals of the peoples of the area offered gifts to the Shah here. This was also called a remittance feast, a festive way of paying taxes. In the end, the settlement fell victim to an incendiary fire under the reign of Alexander the Great. Under his rule, the site was looted and set on fire. The ruins of Persepolis are still worth a visit.
#2. Yazd
Centrally located in Iran you will find the city of Yazd. This is also the capital of the province of the same name. The city has almost half a million inhabitants and is known for its beautiful historic districts. It is also one of the oldest cities in Iran. Since 2017, the city center has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. One of the most famous sights is the ‘Friday Mosque of Yazd’. This mosque dates from the early twelfth century and is still in use as a place of worship. The mosque is built in Azeri style, a typical form of Persian architecture, especially from the fourteenth century. The beautiful tile work of the mosque is very eye-catching. Check simplyyellowpages for mass media and culture of Iran.
#3. Tehran
The capital of Iran is Tehran. It is the main city of the province of the same name in northern Iran. Tehran is a city of millions and is located quite high. The lowest point is at 900 meters and the highest at 1800 meters. This makes this a place where you can enjoy winter sports in the mountains. There are a number of slopes. Tehran has many historical sites that have been given here since its foundation (about 3000 BC). Some sights are the Golestan Palace, the national museum and the Iranian Imperial Crown Jewels are kept in the Iranian central bank. The museum of contemporary art deserves a mention. Lovers of contemporary art should definitely not miss this museum. The collection is impressive, thanks in part to works by Van Gogh, Picasso and Warhol, among others.
#4. Isfahan
The city of Isfahan is centrally located in Iran. This place is also known as Esfahan and is the capital of the province of the same name. Isfahan is a fairly large city with about two million inhabitants. The city’s location is striking, in the middle of the highlands in an oasis. The city is located at an altitude of almost 1600 meters and the name can already be found in sources from antiquity. The traces of this long history have ensured that the city has many interesting sights. The most famous landmark is the square of the Eman, also known as ‘Imam Square’. The huge square is one of the largest in the world. The square is also flanked with many other interesting sights, such as a number of mosques and the Ali Qapu Palace. A famous mosque is the Sheikh Lutfallah Mosque, which is known for its blue dome. In addition to this square and the sights on the square, there are many other places of interest in Isfahan.
#5. Shiraz
The fifth largest city in Iran is Shiraz. It is the capital of the southern province of Fars. The city’s nickname is ‘city of roses and nightingales’. Shiraz owes this nickname to the cultural background of many poets, wine, literature and of course flowers. The first records of Shiraz date back to a period long before Allah existed; in 2000 BC. A long period in which different cultures have left their traces here makes for a beautiful city with many interesting sights. An example is the Koran Gate, a gate that gives access to the city and was part of the city wall.
#6. Imam Reza Holy Shrine
Golden domes stand out when you get close to Imam Reza Holy Shrine. This mausoleum is the resting place of the body of the eighth Imam of the Twelfer Shiites who was known as Imam Reza. The complex includes not only a mausoleum, but also a mosque, a museum, four seminars and a library. It is one of the main attractions of Iran and can count on a visit of about 15 to 20 million pilgrims every year. It is therefore a shrine and an important place for many Shiites. The complex is huge and has several courtyards and a number of impressive halls, all of which are richly decorated.
#7. Chahkooh
Besides the fact that Iran is one large open-air museum with traces of thousands of years of culture, nature has also given the country a number of gems. Chahkooh should certainly not be missed. Here you can walk through a beautiful gorge. Chahkooh Canyon is the result of centuries of erosion that has resulted in a narrow canyon where daylight does not reach the bottom in places. Chahkooh is located on the island of Qeshm in the south of Iran.
#8. Naqsh-e-Rostam
If you like ancient archaeological sites, you should definitely visit Naqsh-e-Rostam. This place is located in the province of Fars, about twelve kilometers north of Persepolis. Here you will find finds such as Achaemenid tombs and some famous Sassanid bas-reliefs. Both the reliefs and the tombs are located in the mountainside and are carved into the rock. The Ka’ba-ye Zartosht, or the ‘Cube of the Zoroastrians’ can also be found on the site of Naqsh-e-Rostam.
#9. Cave houses in Kandovan
The village of Kandovan is located in the north of Iran in an inhospitable area at an altitude of about 2500 meters. In the rocks of the mountainous area you will find a number of rock dwellings. These have been inhabited for more than seven hundred years until today. It is a wonderful example of how inhabitation of an area where housing goes hand in hand with the natural elements. From a distance, the settlement of cave dwellings looks a bit like a termite mound. You can find cave houses in more places in the world, but the houses in this high area are still inhabited and that makes it, in addition to the rough landscape in which they are located, an unforgettable experience to behold.
#10. Hogha Zanbil
One of the interesting archaeological sites that you can find in Iran is Chogha Zanbil. Here you can admire the traces from the Middle Elamite period. The site is situated on a hill and houses the remains of an ancient city and the ruins of an old royal residence. The site was discovered shortly after the First World War when it was accidentally flown over during a search for oil. Chogha Zanbil has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Today you can still recognize and admire the remains of temples, palaces and the water supply.
