The most beautiful cities in Iran

1. Persepolis – Marvdasht

In top of the rocky mountain of Rahmat in the plain of Marvdasht, the ruins of Takht-e-Jamshid palace are pre-eminent. Construction of these palaces started at the time of Darius I (521 BC) and was not completed in less than a period of 150 years. Takht-e-Jamshid is registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The entrance of the complex is formed by a two-ramp stairway composed of 110 rather wide and short steps. On top of the stairways is the main entrance or “The Great Gate”, marked by two statues of a bull with a human head and a pair of wings. There are two exits, one to the south and the other to the east. The south exit or gate connects to the Apadana Palace.

2. Pasargadae – Marvdasht

This palace is 600 meters to the northeast of the Koorush shrine. The area of this palace is 2,620 square meters and includes a large hall (with eight columns) in the middle and four terraces in four directions and two rooms in the corners. To the east of the palace is Pasargadae, composed of a large hall with eight columns. There is a doorway on the north, east and western side of this hall. In the northern doorway, there is an impression of a winged human with two wings directed towards the sky and two wings to the bottom. Where as the hands are raised towards the sky in a gesture of prayer. This edifice with 3,427 square meters area, is located 15 km. northwest of the palace. The main hall has 30 columns made of white stone. A mass of black and white stones have been used as ...

3. Vakil Bath – Shiraz

It is located near the Vakil Mosque. Due to change in the conditions of public baths, it has lost its original shape. The Vakil Bath is a monument of the Zand period.

4. Koorush Kabir (Cyrus) Shrine – Shiraz

In the Shiraz-Esfahan Road and in the Morqab plains, this rectangular monument is built on a six-storey platform. On the top floor, which is 3 m. high, there are two tombs, one belonging to Koorush, and the other to his wife Kassandan mother of Kamboujieh. These two graves are interconnected by a meter long and 35 cm. wide corridor.

5. Eram Garden – Shiraz

Eram Garden is a beautiful historical garden located in the northwest of Shiraz. It is a one-of-a-kind historical garden which as registered in the list of World Heritage in the 35th conversion of UNESCO World Heritage Committee in 2011. The garden includes some great artistic-historical monuments and botanical gardens. Among the cypresses of this street, there is a tall cypress which is noticeable from a long distance. This tree is called “Sarv-e Naz” (Elegant Cypress) because of its unique features. Historians estimate that this cypress is one thousand years. The mansion of the garden belongs to Qajar period, and the tile-work on the front of part of the central porch and around it is among the most interesting tilework of Qajar period, which cannot be seen in other monuments ...

6. Nasir ol Molk Mosque – Shiraz

Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques of Iran in terms of tilework and Muqarnas. The mixture of light and color has given exquisite beauty to the mosque. It is the most beautiful mosque in Shiraz. Every tourist desires to visit the mosque with its colorful glasses, high ceilings, and nice tile-work. In terms of tilework, Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque is the most precious mosque of Iran, and in terms of construction, especially tilework and Muqarnas, it is one-of-a-kind. In terms of color, it is the only Iranian mosque that can rival Al-Aqsa Mosque and Istanbul Blue Mosque. Construction of the mosque started in 1876 and ended in 1888 AD.

7. Hafez Tomb – Shiraz

Khajeh Shams al-Din Mohammad Shirazi known as “Hafez” was the great sonneteer and of the Persian poets and literature. He was born in about 726 Hijri year in Shiraz. He learned science and technology in the classes of the professors at his time and got high levels in literature of his time. He pondered a lot in theology and memorized Quran in fourteen different narrations. “Goethe”, the great German scientist, poet and orator produced his Eastern Court in his name and inspired by his thoughts. His poetry includes sessions, several odes and Masnavis, sonnets and rubaiyat. He passed away in 192 Hijri year in Shiraz. His tomb in Shiraz is a shrine for pundits and Persian literature and poetry lovers. Hafezieh (Hafez Tomb) is a complex of tomb in the north of Shiraz and south of ...

8. Vakil Mosque – Shiraz

On the western side of Vakil Bazaar in Shiraz and at the end of swordmakers order, a very beautiful mosque is established which is known as Soltani Mosque or Vakil Mosque. This is one of the elegant and very resistant buildings of Zand period which is highly significant in terms of art and architecture. The mosque was built to the order of Karim Khan Zand. The mosque plan is two-perched and it has two southern and eastern bedchambers. This historical monument was registered in the list of Iran’s national monuments on 18th of Tir 1311 with registration number 182 and it is supported and protected by this organization.

9. Arg of Karim Khan – Shiraz

Arg of Karim Khan is also known by the prison of Karim Khan, it was established in 1969 by the order of Karim Khan, the founder of Zandieh dynasty in Shiraz. This building which is one of the most outstanding architectural relics of Zandieh era attracts many tourists every year. Arg of Karim Khan is located in the center of Shiraz. After Karim Khan-e Zand selected Shiraz as the capital of Iran and chose this building as his residential house, it became famous with the name “Arg of Karim Khan”. The Arg has 4 very tall and 12 meter walls in the outside and they are connected to each other with a 90 degree angle with circular brick towers with a height of 14 meters. During the Pahlavi ruling era, the Arg was used as a prison, which exposed it to some damages. In 1971, this Arg was ...

10. Dowlat Abad Garden – Yazd

Dolat Abad Garden is one of the old gardens of Yazd in Iran, and one of the highest brick wind catchers in the world, which is 33 meters and 80 centimeters high, has been built in it. The design of the garden is one of the most exquisite ones among the designs of Iranian gardens. Dolat Abad is as important as Fin Garden in Kashan and Shazadeh Garden in Kerman. Dolat Abad Garden of Yazd is one of the Iranian gardens registered in UNESCO World Heritage. During New Year holidays, the garden hosts many people interested in nature and architecture. At least one thousand people visit the garden daily during that time. This beautiful precious garden was registered on March 12, 1968 under the registration number of 774, and Pahlevanpoor Garden of Mehriz was registered on September 29, 2002 ...

11. Jame Mosque of Yazd – Yazd

Great Jame Mosque of Yazd is one of the historical and architectural masterpieces of the world. It can be claimed that this mosque has the world's highest minarets. The building of this landmark mosque has been attracting attention since very long time ago. Based on historical books of Yazd, "the mosque was constructed in the place of Sassanid fire temple (Atashgah), and it was built by Alaoddoleh Garshasp." This mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques of Timurid dynasty, which is a shining example of the architecture of 9th century AH in terms of Rafi' Gate tilework, minarets, and its inscription. Although the main construction of the mosque is attributed to pre-Timurid period, its present construction, based on the inscriptions, indicates that it was built in Timurid period. ...

12. Borujerdiha House – Kashan

The said premises is located in Kashan and was constructed during the years 1292-1310 AH. by 'Haj Seyed Jaffar Natanzi' a merchant who conducted business in Borujerd and Kashan as well. He constructed this house in order to evade religious levies. The entrance to the premises is from an octagonal vestibule and an area utilized by pageboys adorned with a number of multilateral crescents and skylights in the ceiling. Then a long corridor leads to the northern facade of the building. Near the entrance is a five-door chamber with intricate plaster-work. This opens out on a large and roof less porch, capturing the warmth of the sun, and transferring the same to the small symmetrical chambers on either side of this porch. In the northeastern portion of the structure are the kitchen quarters, ...

13. Tabatabaei House – Kashan

Tabatabaei House is the architecture masterpiece of Kashan. It is one of the most beautiful and elegant historical monuments of Kashan, which is located in Sultan Amir Ahmad Neighborhood. This house was built by Seyed Jafar Tabatabei, one of the well-known merchants of that time, in 1250 AH. It was designed by Ali Maryam Kashani, the famous architect of 19th century in Iran.

14. Maranjab Desert (Band-e Rig) – Kashan

Maranjab Desert is in the geographical location N5148 to N5152 and E5140 to E5157 in Isfahan. Maranjab Desert is located in the northern part of Aran and Bidgol in Kashan County in Isfahan Province. Maranjab has been in fact the name of an inn and aqueduct that was established at the time of Shah Abbas Safavid and it later on extended to Maranjab Desert. The average height of Maranjab Desery from sea level is about 850 meters. The main part of this desert is covered with sand hills Sabulous. Maranjab Desert is very rich in vegetation. The main vegetation of the area includes Halophytes such as Tamarisks, Haloxlylons and Zygophyllum Atriploides. Animal coverage of this area is very rich due to abundant amounts of water and nutrients. Some of the animals include wolves, jackals, ...

15. Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse – Kashan

Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse whose appellation is due to its closeness to Suktan Amir Ahmad Shrine dates back to Seljuk era based on the discovered evidences. The current building is remaining from Qajar era, though. In fact, some of the remaining monuments before the famous earthquake of Kashan in 1192 Hijri year, the bathhouse dates back to the Seljuk era and the current building is remaining from Qajar era. Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse is located in Sultan Amir Ahmad Aalley on Alavi Street in Kashan and it was registered in the list of Iran’s national monuments on 3rd of Esfand 1351 with registration number 1351.

16. Historical Bazaar of Kashan – Kashan

One of the most important historical and visitable monuments in Kashan is the historical bazaar of Kashan that has included more than 40 historical buildings in itselfand its south entrance is Kamal al-Molk Square and its north entrance is the beginning of Darvazeh Dowlat Square. The historical bazaar in Kashan includes orders (the main path of bazaar), categories (different classes), corridors, Khan house (a merchant house that had the general role of sales), Khanbar or Kalanbar (a place for collecting and storing goods and manipulating them), Timcheh (the center of several houses or merchant houses), Kaisarieh (a place with a separate door to do art and delicate works like goldsmiths and needle works) and stores. There are orders such as coppersmiths, goldsmiths, shoemakers, ...

17. Si-o-Seh Pol – Isfahan

Si-o-Se Pol Bridge is one of the architectural masterpieces of Iran's history and the longest bridge on Zayanderud River. Si-o-Se Pol, also known as Allāhverdi Khan Bridge, was built on Zayanderud River in Isfahan in the time of Safavid Shah Abbas. The bridge was the location of Aab-Pashan festival and Khajshooyan (Epiphany) ceremony of Isfahan Armenians in Safavid era. This bridge has been described by most tourists and travelers. The idea of constructing Si-o-Se Pol Bridge was produced in 1008 AH, the 12th year of Shah-Abbas 1 reign. In 1011 AH, Allahverdi Khan, the warlord of Shah Abbas I was assigned to complete the construction. This monument was registered in Iran's National Heritage on January 6, 1932 under the registration number of 110.

18. Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque – Isfahan

Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque is one of the spectacular historical monuments of Isfahan in Safavid period, which is an acknowledged masterpiece of tile-work and architecture. The colors and patterns used in the skilled tile-work of the mosque's dome have created the most beautiful tile-work in Iranian Architecture. The light of the mosque is supplied through the reticulated windows in different sides of the dome. Another architectural masterpiece can be seen in the mosque's Mihrab. In mid 1920s, at the instigation of َArthur Pope, Reza Shah commanded that the whole mosque be refurbished. Distinguishing features of Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque include not having any minarets or courts which are the intrinsic parts of all Islamic mosques, a 45-degree north-south orientation to Qibla, the ...

19. Ali Qapu Palace – Isfahan

In the west of Naghsh-e Jahan Square and across from Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque, there is a mansion which is one of the most important architectural masterpieces of early 11th century AH with an excellent worldwide reputation. Considering the investigations, it is deduced that Ali Qapu Palace is the central gate and entrance of all palaces which were constructed in Naghsh-e Jahan Square in Safavid period. This palace, which is an exclusive example of Safavid palaces architecture, was built in early 11th century AH (between 1225 and 1231 AD) at the instigation of Shah Abbas the First in Isfahan after the transfer of capital from Qazvin to Isfahan. It used to host great men. It is Ali Qapu’s miniatures by Reza Abbasi, well-known artist of Safavid time, which has caused the palace ...

20. Vank Cathedral – Isfahan

Vank, built in time of the Second Shah Abbas in ??? AD, is one of the historical cathedrals of Armenians in Isfahan. Ancient Armenian churches have cone-like domes, but the dome of Vank Cathedral has been built like the domes of Iranian mosques in Safavid era. This cathedral is unique among Armenian churches in terms of gilding. Vank has been visited by many famous people as follows: Sudan’s Prince (1933 AD), Misaka, the Japanese Prince (1933 AD), Vice President of Germany (1957 AD), Denmark’s Queen and her daughter (1963 AD), President of India (1963 AD), Denmark’s Prince (1963 AD), King and Queen of Belgium (1964 AD), Spain’s Prince (1966 AD), Kofi Annan, the previous Secretary-General of the United Nations (1999 AD), etc. The cathedral was registered in Iran’s ...

21. Imam Mosque – Isfahan

Shah Mosque with the alternative names of Jameh Mosque, Soltani Mosque and Imam Mosque is one of the mosques in Naghsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan which was built in Safavid era and is considered one of the important Iranian-Islamic architectural buildings. This building is an immortal masterpiece in architecture, tiling and carpentry of the eleventh Hijri century. Shah Mosque was registered in the list of Iran’s national monuments on 15th Dey 1310 with number 107. Imam Mosque is located in the south side of Naghsh-e Jahan Square and is one of the prominent architectural monuments in Iran in terms of its architectural properties, rich decorations and other invaluable parts. As it can be inferred from the sources, its building began to be built in the third stage of Naghsh-e Jahan Plan ...

22. Niavaran Palace – Tehran

Niavaran cultural-historical complex is located in a large garden with an area of 11 hectares in the north of Tehran, which is a significant natural-historical attraction. The monuments of this complex belong to Qajar and Safavid periods. This garden contains several historical royal monuments including Ahmad Shahi Pavilion, Sahebqaranie Palace, and Niavaran Palace. There are exquisite artworks from Iranian artists and valuable objects gifted by foreign governments as well as admirable architecture of Iran’s history that attract every tourist and visitor. This cultural-artistic complex is one of the honors of art history of Iran and the world.

23. Azadi Tower – Tehran

Built in 1971 to commemorate 2500 years of Persian monarchy, this iconic tower fuses elements of Sassanian, Achaemenid, and modernist architecture. Literally meaning ‘Freedom Tower’, the ivory-colored, Y-shaped building is situated in a park in east Tehran, and features a well laid out underground museum. Though not as tall as the Milad Tower, it nevertheless boasts fantastic views of the city from the top floor.

24. Badab Soort – Sari

Badab Soort is a natural site in Mazandaran Province in northern Iran, 95 kilometres (59 mi) south of the city of Sari, and 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) west of Orost village. It comprises a range of stepped travertine terrace formations that has been created over thousands of years as flowing water from two mineral hot springs cooled and deposited carbonate minerals on the mountainside. Badab Soort’s springs are two distinct mineral springs with different natural characteristics, located at 1,840 metres (6,040 ft) above sea level. The first spring contains very salty water that gathers in a small natural pool; its water is considered to have medicinal properties, especially as a cure for rheumatism and some types of skin diseases and skin conditions. The second spring has a sour taste and ...

25. Sheikh Safi-edin Ardabily Mausoleum – Ardabil

It is composed of a series of monuments built in various periods that was shaped as a complex for the first time by Shah Tahmasb. Later Shah Abbas added to the previous ones and renovated some sections. This historical complex is closely intertwined with the history of the Safavid Dynasty. Some of the Safavid kings as well as Shah Esmail I have been buried at this site. The main section of the mausoleum is composed of a circular tower with circumference of 22 m. which is about 17 meters high. In the interior of this monument, near Sheikh Safi's tomb, the tomb of his son (the founder of mausoleum) and those of other family members can be found. At the time of Naseredin Shah Qajar, i.e., about 115 years ago, major renovations took place and some changes were made to the complex. This ...