Iran

Historic sites in Iran

Ancient Persian Sites

This collection spans millennia of Iranian history, from the Neolithic settlements of Hajji Firuz Tepe to the architectural heights of the Achaemenid and Sasanian Empires. Key highlights include the ceremonial capital of Persepolis with its grand palaces like the Apadana and Tachara, the sacred Sasanian site of Takht-e Soleyman, and the monumental rock-cut tombs of Naqsh-e Rustam. The list also features strategic mountain fortresses such as Behestan and Zahhak, showcasing diverse Persian engineering and defensive styles across the Iranian plateau.

Ancient Persian Sites — Map

ahura_ / CC BY 3.0

A

Persepolis

Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It is situated in the plains of Marvdasht, encircled by the southern Zagros…

myself / CC-BY-SA-3.0

B

Takht-e Soleyman

Takht-e Soleymān or Adur Gushnasp, is an archaeological site in West Azerbaijan, Iran dating back to Sasanian Empire.

Nasser-sadeghi / CC BY 3.0

C

Naqsh-e Rustam

Naqsh-e Rostam is an ancient archeological site and necropolis located about 13 km northwest of Persepolis, in Fars Province, Iran.

Alireza Tajfar / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Behestan Castle

Behestan castle is a historical castle located in Mahneshan County in Zanjan Province, Iran, near Behestan village and next to Ghezel Ozan…

Fabienkhan / CC BY-SA 2.5

E

Zahhak Castle

Zahhak Castle is a castle in Hashtrud, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. It is named after Zahhak, a figure in Persian mythology.

درفش کاویانی / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Estakhr

Istakhr was an ancient city in Fars province, five kilometres north of Persepolis in southwestern Iran.

Hesamkhandan / CC BY-SA 4.0

G

Azhdeha Peykar Castle

Azhdeha Peykar Castle is a historical castle located in Larestan County in Fars Province, The longevity of this fortress dates back to the…

Am kerman / CC BY-SA 4.0

H

Ghale Ardeshir

Ardeshir Castle is a historical castle located in Kerman County in Kerman Province, The longevity of this fortress dates back to the…

Am kerman / CC BY-SA 4.0

I

Ghale Dokhtar

A 3,000-year-old adobe fortress and temple complex in Kerman, likely dating back to the Median era. Situated on a hill overlooking the city, it served as a primary defensive stronghold and religious site.

Simorg / CC-BY-SA-3.0

J

Naqsh-e Rajab

Naqsh-e Rajab is an archaeological site just west of Istakhr and about 5 km north of Persepolis in Fars province, Iran.

Pentocelo / CC-BY-SA-3.0

K

The Gate of All Nations

The Gate of All Nations, also known as the Gate of Xerxes, is located in the ruins of the ancient city of Persepolis, Iran.

Sahand Ace / CC BY-SA 4.0

L

Palace of Darius I.

The Tachara, or the Tachar Château, also referred to as the Palace of Darius the Great, was the exclusive building of Darius I at…

Fabienkhan / CC BY-SA 2.5

M

Teppe Hasanlu

Teppe Hasanlu or Hasanlu Tepe is an archeological site of an ancient city located in northwest Iran, a short distance south of Lake Urmia.

Mandana-r / CC-BY-SA-3.0

N

Hajji Firuz Tepe

Hajji Firuz Tepe is an archaeological site located in West Azarbaijan province in north-western Iran and lies in the north-western part of…

Nikopol / CC BY-SA 3.0

O

Apadana

The largest building on the Persepolis Terrace, this grand audience hall was initiated by Darius the Great and completed by Xerxes I. It is renowned for its 72 monumental columns and intricate bas-reliefs depicting gift-bearing delegations.

MohammadMahdi Habibi / CC-BY-SA

P

Shhr zyrzmyny karyz

An ancient underground city on Kish Island, built around a 2,500-year-old qanat water management system. The complex features walls and ceilings composed of fossil-rich coral, maintained at a naturally cool temperature.

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