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Iran

Iran Highlights

Iran, located in Western Asia, is a country with a rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Tehran, the capital, offers landmarks like the Golestan Palace, the Tehran Grand Bazaar, and the modern Milad Tower. Beyond the capital, explore the historic city of Isfahan with its beautiful squares and mosques, the desert city of Yazd, or the ancient ruins of Persepolis. Don`t miss the stunning landscapes of the Alborz Mountains, the Caspian Sea coast, or the unique desert formations of Dasht-e Lut. Iranian cuisine, known for dishes like kebabs, dizi, and a variety of unique rice dishes, is flavorful and diverse. Whether you`re exploring a historic caravanserai on the Silk Road, admiring the intricate architecture of a Persian mosque, or shopping for a traditional Persian rug, Iran offers a unique and captivating travel experience.

Top 10 Attractions

Ali-Sadr Cave

The Ali-Sadr Cave, located in Hamadan, is the world`s largest water cave which attracts thousands of visitors every year. Visitors traverse the cave in paddle boats along a two-kilometer route marked by dramatic rock formations and expanse of calm, b... more

The Ali-Sadr Cave, located in Hamadan, is the world`s largest water cave which attracts thousands of visitors every year. Visitors traverse the cave in paddle boats along a two-kilometer route marked by dramatic rock formations and expanse of calm, blue-green water. It offers an extraordinary subterranean experience.

Bam Citadel

The ancient city of Bam and its cultural landscape is the most representative example of a fortified medieval town built in vernacular technique using mud layers (Chineh). Located in southeastern Iran, the city came to prominence due to its location... more

The ancient city of Bam and its cultural landscape is the most representative example of a fortified medieval town built in vernacular technique using mud layers (Chineh). Located in southeastern Iran, the city came to prominence due to its location on the Silk Road. The city and its iconic citadel were severely damaged in a 2003 earthquake but have since been the focus of intense restoration efforts.

Carpet Museum of Iran

Located in Tehran, beside Laleh Park, and founded in 1976, the Carpet Museum of Iran exhibits a variety of Persian carpets from all over Iran, dating from the 16th century to the present. The museum`s exhibition hall occupies 3,400 square meters (10,... more

Located in Tehran, beside Laleh Park, and founded in 1976, the Carpet Museum of Iran exhibits a variety of Persian carpets from all over Iran, dating from the 16th century to the present. The museum`s exhibition hall occupies 3,400 square meters (10,200 ft²) and its library contains 7,000 books.

Chogha Zanbil

Chogha Zanbil is an ancient Elamite complex in Khuzestan province of Iran. It`s one of the few existing ziggurats outside of Mesopotamia. It was built about 1250 BC by the king Untash-Napirisha, mainly to honor the great god Inshushinak. Despite bein... more

Chogha Zanbil is an ancient Elamite complex in Khuzestan province of Iran. It`s one of the few existing ziggurats outside of Mesopotamia. It was built about 1250 BC by the king Untash-Napirisha, mainly to honor the great god Inshushinak. Despite being partially destroyed by the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal, the site retains much of its grandeur.

Golestan Palace

Golestan Palace, a masterpiece of the Qajar era, embodies the successful integration of earlier Persian crafts and architecture with Western influences. The walled Palace, one of the oldest groups of buildings in Teheran, became the seat of governmen... more

Golestan Palace, a masterpiece of the Qajar era, embodies the successful integration of earlier Persian crafts and architecture with Western influences. The walled Palace, one of the oldest groups of buildings in Teheran, became the seat of government of the Qajar family, which came into power in 1779 and made Teheran the capital of the country. The Palace complex is a stunning display of royal gardens, lavish buildings adorned with decorative tiles and mirror work, and a rich collection of Persian artwork.

Imam Square

Imam Square, also known as Naqsh-e Jahan Square, in Isfahan, is one of the largest city squares in the world and an outstanding example of Persian and Islamic architecture. The UNESCO-listed square, built in the 17th century, is surrounded by importa... more

Imam Square, also known as Naqsh-e Jahan Square, in Isfahan, is one of the largest city squares in the world and an outstanding example of Persian and Islamic architecture. The UNESCO-listed square, built in the 17th century, is surrounded by important historical buildings, including the Ali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and Imam Mosque. The square also hosts a lively bazaar, offering traditional crafts, ceramics, spices, and Persian rugs.

Jameh Mosque of Isfahan

The Jāmeh Mosque of Isfahān or Jāme` Mosque of Isfahān is the grand, congregational mosque of Isfahān city, within Isfahān Province, Iran. The mosque is the result of continual construction, reconstruction, additions and renovations on the site from... more

The Jāmeh Mosque of Isfahān or Jāme` Mosque of Isfahān is the grand, congregational mosque of Isfahān city, within Isfahān Province, Iran. The mosque is the result of continual construction, reconstruction, additions and renovations on the site from around 771 to the end of the 20th century.

Mount Damavand

Mount Damavand, a potentially active volcano, is the highest peak in Iran and the highest volcano in Asia; it`s located in the middle Alborz Range. The mountain has a special place in Persian mythology and folklore and is a popular challenge for prof... more

Mount Damavand, a potentially active volcano, is the highest peak in Iran and the highest volcano in Asia; it`s located in the middle Alborz Range. The mountain has a special place in Persian mythology and folklore and is a popular challenge for professional climbers. With its snow-capped peak, it also provides stunning panoramic views for those willing to undertake the trek.

Naqsh-e Rostam

Naqsh-e Rostam is an ancient necropolis located about 12 km northwest of Persepolis, in Fars Province, Iran, with a group of ancient Iranian rock reliefs cut into the cliff, from both the Achaemenid and Sassanid periods. It lies a few hundred meters... more

Naqsh-e Rostam is an ancient necropolis located about 12 km northwest of Persepolis, in Fars Province, Iran, with a group of ancient Iranian rock reliefs cut into the cliff, from both the Achaemenid and Sassanid periods. It lies a few hundred meters from Naqsh-e Rajab with a further group of Sassanid reliefs.

National Museum of Iran

The National Museum of Iran in Tehran houses a stunning collection of artifacts, displaying the rich history and culture of Iran from prehistoric times through the advent of Islam. Its two main buildings - the Museum of Ancient Iran and the Museum of... more

The National Museum of Iran in Tehran houses a stunning collection of artifacts, displaying the rich history and culture of Iran from prehistoric times through the advent of Islam. Its two main buildings - the Museum of Ancient Iran and the Museum of the Islamic Era - provide a comprehensive view of Iran`s history. Highlights include a preserved mud-brick from 6000 BC, pottery, metal objects, textiles, rare books, and coins.

Pars Museum

The Pars Museum is a museum in Shiraz, Fars Province, southern Iran and is located in Nazar Garden. The octagonal building was the place in which royal guests were hosted during the Zand dynasty of Iran. It was also used for holding official ceremoni... more

The Pars Museum is a museum in Shiraz, Fars Province, southern Iran and is located in Nazar Garden. The octagonal building was the place in which royal guests were hosted during the Zand dynasty of Iran. It was also used for holding official ceremonies.

Persepolis

Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most important historical sites in Iran. Located near the city of Shiraz, it was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire (c. 550–330 BC). The ruins of this grand city, including several... more

Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most important historical sites in Iran. Located near the city of Shiraz, it was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire (c. 550–330 BC). The ruins of this grand city, including several monumental buildings, stand as a testament to the grandeur and sophistication of Persian civilization in its peak. The most striking structures include the Gate of All Nations, the Apadana Palace, and the Throne Hall. The site also features detailed and intricate stone reliefs, showcasing the skills of the ancient Persian artisans.

Reza Abbasi Museum

The Reza Abbasi Museum in Tehran is named after Reza Abbasi, one of the artists in the Safavid period. It`s home to a unique collection of Persian art dating back to the second millennium BC, from both pre-Islamic and Islamic eras. The museum`s colle... more

The Reza Abbasi Museum in Tehran is named after Reza Abbasi, one of the artists in the Safavid period. It`s home to a unique collection of Persian art dating back to the second millennium BC, from both pre-Islamic and Islamic eras. The museum`s collection includes metalwork, ceramics, textiles, and some rare books and coins.

Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble

The Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil is a microcosmic representation of Sufism and a significant place of pilgrimage in the Islamic Republic of Iran. It`s a rare example of medieval Iranian architecture. Its spiritual and ar... more

The Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil is a microcosmic representation of Sufism and a significant place of pilgrimage in the Islamic Republic of Iran. It`s a rare example of medieval Iranian architecture. Its spiritual and artistic values, including plasterworks, miniatures, calligraphy, and ceramics, represent the climax of such art and craft in Iran, making it a highly esteemed site for art history enthusiasts.

Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System

The Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a masterpiece of creative genius dating back to the time of Darius the Great in the 5th century B.C. It forms a spectacular cliff-side irrigation system of dams, canals, bridg... more

The Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a masterpiece of creative genius dating back to the time of Darius the Great in the 5th century B.C. It forms a spectacular cliff-side irrigation system of dams, canals, bridges, basins and water mills used for many centuries to irrigate the surrounding lands.

Soltaniyeh

The Mausoleum of Oljaytu, also known as the Dome of Soltaniyeh, situated in the city of Soltaniyeh, the capital of the Ilkhanid dynasty, is one of the most magnificent structures of its era. The octagonal building is crowned with a 50 m tall dome cov... more

The Mausoleum of Oljaytu, also known as the Dome of Soltaniyeh, situated in the city of Soltaniyeh, the capital of the Ilkhanid dynasty, is one of the most magnificent structures of its era. The octagonal building is crowned with a 50 m tall dome covered in turquoise-blue faience and surrounded by eight slender minarets.

Tomb of Hafez

The Tomb of Hafez is in the Musalla Gardens in Shiraz, Iran, and its associated memorial hall, the Hafezieh, are two memorial structures erected in the northern edge of Shiraz, in memory of the celebrated Persian poet Hafez. The open pavilion structu... more

The Tomb of Hafez is in the Musalla Gardens in Shiraz, Iran, and its associated memorial hall, the Hafezieh, are two memorial structures erected in the northern edge of Shiraz, in memory of the celebrated Persian poet Hafez. The open pavilion structures are situated in the Musalla Gardens on the north bank of a seasonal river and house the marble tomb of Hafez.

Vakil Bazaar

Vakil Bazaar is the main bazaar of Shiraz, Iran, located in the historical center of the city. It`s thought that the market originally was established by the Buwayhids in the 11th century AD, and was completed mainly by the Atabaks of Fars, and only... more

Vakil Bazaar is the main bazaar of Shiraz, Iran, located in the historical center of the city. It`s thought that the market originally was established by the Buwayhids in the 11th century AD, and was completed mainly by the Atabaks of Fars, and only was renamed after Karim Khan Zand in the 18th century.

Vank Cathedral

Holy Savior Cathedral, also known the Church of the Saintly Sisters, is a cathedral located in the New Julfa district of Isfahan, Iran. It`s commonly referred to as the Vank, which means "monastery" or "convent" in the Armenian language. more

Holy Savior Cathedral, also known the Church of the Saintly Sisters, is a cathedral located in the New Julfa district of Isfahan, Iran. It`s commonly referred to as the Vank, which means "monastery" or "convent" in the Armenian language.

Yazd Old City

The historic city of Yazd is located in the middle of the Iranian plateau, close to the Spice and Silk Roads. It bears living testimony to the use of limited resources for survival in the desert by its underground channels (qanats), wind towers (badg... more

The historic city of Yazd is located in the middle of the Iranian plateau, close to the Spice and Silk Roads. It bears living testimony to the use of limited resources for survival in the desert by its underground channels (qanats), wind towers (badgirs) for natural ventilation, and a clever architectural design for maximum shade and air circulation. The city is also recognized for its Pahlavi weaving and silk weaving workshops.

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