BEAUTIFUL AND HISTORIC PLACES IN IRAN TO VISIT

Parsa and Travestyle Matin, an Iranian travel blogger couple, share their top picks for Iran.

There are many historical sites to see in Iran. Iran’s history will be a part of your trip, whether traveling on the traditional route or taking a different way.

Iran: Places to Visit

Iran’s history dates back to 4000 BC. Some of Iran’s most prominent places are its historical structures.

The central route is the most popular choice for first-time Iranian visitors. It includes Tehran, Shiraz, Yazd, and other cities such as Kerman.

Ten Days of Historical Places to Visit in Iran

This trail is home to many of Iran’s most popular tourist attractions. If you have more time, Khuzestan Province in southwest Iran will be where you’ll find the oldest settlements in Persia.

We have compiled a list of historical landmarks that you must see to guide you on a historical tour of Iran’s most renowned cities.

Persepolis

Persepolis ranks high on the list of places you should visit in Iran. It is the most well-known attraction in Iran. It’s the main reason why so many people see Iran.

Persepolis, located 60 km from Shiraz and dating back to around 520 BC, was once the magnificent ceremonial capital of the Persian empire.

Persepolis was constructed and ruled over by several Achaemenian rulers for 150 years. Its most prosperous period was during the reign of Darius The Great. You’d be amazed at how well Persepolis survived despite being destroyed and set on fire in 1818 by Alexandre.

You will need to spend at least 2 hours seeing the sights. It is best to get there in the morning or late afternoon.

Naqsh-e Jahan Square

This Place is known as a “pattern of the world.” For many reasons, European travelers such as Chardin have praised Esfahan Square and Naqsh-e Jahan Square.

Naqsh–e Jahan was to be the center of the Safavid court’s decision to make Esfahan it’s capital in the 15 -16 th th century. The jewels of the Safavid empire are located in the second-largest square on the planet, surrounded by two mosques, a bazaar, and a palace.

You’ll be amazed at how the square has become a popular spot for Esfahanis on summer evenings. Grab a scoop of saffron cream and join the masses.

Yazd, an old town

The most popular place to take a walk in Iran is the old town of Yazd. Take a break from the guidebooks and wander through Iran’s most beautiful adobe towns.

You will find mud-brick buildings, charming courtyards, cozy roof cafes, roofed alleyways, and old wooden doors.

Golestan Palace, Tehran

The best example of Qajar architecture is Iran’s central Tehran Golestan palace. Construction of a residential palace was started when the first Qajar king named Tehran his capital in 18 th century.

Golestan palace’s architecture was heavily inspired by the Qajar kings’ travels to Europe, particularly by Naser-odin Shah. Shams-Al Emarat palace, Iran’s tallest structure then, was a Shams-Al Emarat palace.

Today, the palace has several monuments, and tickets for each one are sold separately. Highlights include the colorful tiles in the garden and the fantastic mirror work of the Hall of mirrors.

Esfahan mosque imam

Shah Abbas I, who ruled for 25 years, brought together the best architects and calligraphers to build this magnificent royal mosque. He needed to live longer to see the project completed.

The Imam Mosque in Esfahan is a fine example of Safavid architecture. Its entrance is adorned with exquisite tiles. I promise you it will be hard to leave.

Jameh Mosque in Yazd

The tall, blue-colored minarets of Jameh Mosque can be seen almost from every rooftop. They are located in the heart and old town of Yazd.

Jameh Mosque in Yazd houses the highest minarets in Iran. It also boasts some of the most iconic tile work in Iran.

Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse

In Iran, bathhouses were more than just a place to wash one’s body. They were also a place where people could meet up. Women and men would spend hours together in separate bathhouses, interacting.

Many of these bathhouses have been converted into museums and restaurants in Iran today.

The Ganj Ali Khan Iranian bathhouse is best, but the Sultan Amir Ahmaad Kashan bathhouse is better. After your visit, climb up to the roof to enjoy a spectacular view of Kashan.

Necropolis, Shiraz or Naqsh-e Rostam

On your way to Persepolis, you must stop at Naqsh-e Rostam to see the Sassanid relief cut and the massive tombs of the 4 Achaemenian Kings.

Four chambers are carved into the rock and are believed to be the tombs of Darius I, II, Xerxes 1, and Artaxerxes 1.

Sheikh Lotfollah mosque, Esfahan

The Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is in Naqsh-e Jahan Square, before Ali Qapoo Palace. This mosque was built for Shah Abbas’s Harem women and was not open to the public.

The interior of the double-shelled golden dome, now a tourist attraction in Iran, is widespread. The mosque is unique in that it does not include any minarets.

Shiraz: Nasir-ol Molk Mosque, Pink Mosque

Without a doubt, this is Iran’s most Instagrammable Place. You can witness the vibrant morning light dancing on Persian carpets if you visit the mosque early morning.

It is known for its distinctive pink-dominant tile work. The outer portal contains a fine example of Muqarnas.

Tower of Silence Yazd

Yazd is the home of Zoroastrians, and you should add at least one Zoroastrian attraction to your list of places in Iran.

According to Zoroastrian beliefs, the soil is sacred. It was forbidden to be contaminated by dead bodies. The ancient Zoroastrians carried dead bodies up to the mountain tops, where they could be exposed to sunlight and scavenging birds.

The practice has been abandoned today, but you can still see its location at Yazd’s Tower of Silence. It also offers a spectacular view of the city.

Shazdeh Garden in Kerman

The Shazdeh garden in Kerman is an example of what an oasis means. This beautiful garden is in the middle of a deserted area and features fountains and flowing Qanat water.

Locals often visit this area for a picnic, but the garden and small Qajar palace are worth a visit.

Khajoo Bridge, Esfahan

A few bridges are among Esfahan’s most popular attractions. The best bridge is the Khajoo bridge, built around 1650.

The bridge is not only beautiful, but it’s also a popular meeting place for many locals. Older men often sing under the bridge at sunset.

It has been many years since water has flowed under the bridge throughout the year. The drought caused a dam to be built, and water from the river was collected for drinking. You can see the river flowing in spring if you are lucky.