27 Iran tourist attractions you must visit before you die
Author : Cmin | Date : Sunday 12 February 2023 14:37
27 Iran attractions you must visit - Unique places in Iran
Iran is a vast country in the Middle East that has its beauty in each season. Iran's tourist attractions include its beautiful beaches, lush mountains, wonderful weather in all four seasons, ancient historical sites, and monuments that demonstrate Iran's rich culture and civilization. The unique places in Iran will attract any tourist in the world. We are going to introduce you to the top 27 attractions in Iran that you must visit before you die. So, pack your clothes to describe a tourist attraction in Iran like you are visiting it. Some historical places in Iran are wonderful.
The 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites rank our country as one of the richest countries in the world in terms of natural and historical treasures. Also, thousands of other ancient, historical, and natural monuments are among the Iran attractions that you must visit. If you are also interested in visiting all these beauties in person, you can find many exciting Iran tours on our website. Check them out too.
Persepolis - One of the most unique places in Iran
For many years, we have read about Persepolis, the ancient building of Marvdasht with its tall columns, but its ancient and original name is Parseh, which was discovered both in an inscription from Xerxes in the building of the Gate of All Nations and on one of the Elamite tablets we see from the treasury. Parseh is a name derived from the Persian people, who called their state Pars; the Greeks called it Persis, and today we call it Persian. Each part of the city has 125,000 square meters, to say the least. Engravings and inscriptions tell the story of these past columns and walls and tell stories from history. Don't miss these Iranian tourist attractions at all.
Pasargadae
To learn more about the Pasargadae complex, come to the Fars region in southern Iran. There are old Iran tourist sites on the Murghab Plain and Pasargadae Plain, near the city of Pasargadae, that have been maintained in Iran from ancient times and have many stories to tell.
The birthplace of the Achaemenids' splendid history and the initial capital of this mighty empire The location is also home to the world's most comprehensive Achaemenid site, which contains the period's most diversified and vast artifacts. Pasargadae Collection is also Iran's sixth work on the UNESCO World Heritage List, having received 100 percent of the votes owing to its numerous indications and ratings. The mausoleum of Cyrus the Great is one of Pasargadae's most prominent and well-known masterpieces. Many people are familiar with this old and historical spot and this structure, and they go a considerable distance to visit it. Cyrus' mausoleum is located in the complex's southern section and is claimed to have been erected under Cyrus' direction.
Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque
One of Shiraz's most famous landmarks is the Nasir Al-Molk Mosque, which is located in a historic area named Good Arab. This marvel of Iranian-Islamic architecture will make you swoon at a first glimpse; as soon as you go through its wooden entrance, your gaze will be drawn to the crimson tiles and Shiraz and Mogharnas irises, and you will fall in love with this mosque within seconds. The use of pink tiles on this edifice is stunning, which is why it is known as the Pink Mosque. Everything looks like other mosques in Iran; beautiful tile designs, rectangular pools between the courtyards, etc. are all things that can be found in most of Iran's historic mosques, and their visit is not far off the mark. Shortly after your footsteps reach the nave, you will notice the difference between this religious building and others; the colored glass of the mosque will allow the sunlight to pass through them and play with the colors in the mosque.
Naqsh-e Rustam
Naqsh-e Rustam is a large and magnificent collection of tombs and relief stones of the three great dynasties of the kingdom in Iran, namely the Elamite, Achaemenid, and Sassanid, whose name is Naqsh-e Rustam. The inscriptions and graves are carved on a mountain, which locals call Hussein Mountain. Naqsh-e Rustam is one of the most unique ancient burial mounds that cannot be found in any other ancient country like Egypt, India, etc. In the Naqsh-e Rustam collection, unique lithographs of the battles of Sassanid kings such as Shapur, Bahram II, Hormoz II, and Shapur II are remembered. One of the most significant buildings in the Zoroastrian Kaaba complex is the cube building; the exact reason for its construction and use is not known.
Hafez's tomb
In the north of Shiraz, there is a tomb whose name is familiar to all the inhabitants of this ancient land. Everyone who walks to Shiraz goes to Hafez's tomb and spends happy hours there. This collection is known as Hafeziyeh, and as its name suggests, it is the burial place of Hafez, one of the poets of Iran.
For some, the memory may be the only beautiful tomb that holds a great poet in its heart, but when you are in its space, you find a different atmosphere.
Even if you are unfamiliar with poetry and literature, entering the Hafeziyeh will introduce you to the unique and general talents of Iran's great poet, Hafez, whose name is known from east to west and north to south around the world. You will give your heart to every word of the verses that are engraved on the door and the wall as if they will take you to another land.
Eram garden
Eram Garden presents you with a unique combination of history and nature, a combination that creates a heavenly atmosphere and makes everyone fall in love with it. Every moment you spend walking in this garden, you will see special effects that draw you to yourself and immerse you in pleasure. So don't just take a short visit to the building of this garden; explore it as much as you can.
With its historical atmosphere, this garden makes you want to travel to the past and get along with the people of that time, and your heart wants to be immersed in the beautiful culture of this land. In this garden, you can also experience wearing traditional and old clothes by paying a separate fee and taking memorable pictures.
Naqsh-e Jahan Square
Naqsh-e Jahan Square, officially known as Imam Square, is the central square of Isfahan and is part of a historical complex. What sets this field apart from its counterparts is its rectangular shape, which differs from the circular or oval appearance of many common squares.
To understand the breadth and attractiveness of this square, it is enough to know that the world is wider than the Red Square of Moscow, which is one of the widest and most famous squares in the world. This square hosts several historical monuments and has several buildings in its arms; that is why, by visiting this square, you will see a few arrows and an important part of Isfahan's treasure.
Sheikh Lotfollah mosque
If you have time to visit only one attraction on your trip to Isfahan, you should go to the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Naghsh Jahan Square without any doubt. You have watched the paintings and genius closely and have become acquainted with the best manifestations of Safavid art. So we begin with an introduction to this mosque, a magnificent structure that has stood for centuries on the eastern side of Naghsh Jahan Square and in front of the Ali Qapu Palace, displaying its beauty to passersby.
To learn more about the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, it is better to go to the history of the construction of this magnificent building and get acquainted with the reasons for its construction. So, we go back about 400 years to 1011 AH (982 solar years). Isfahan, as the capital of the Safavids, was at the peak of construction of permanent buildings such as Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Chaharbagh Street, the Imam Mosque, etc., and was rapidly moving towards becoming a city that excelled in art, history, and architecture.
Si – o Se pol
In the middle of the city of Isfahan and on the bed of the Zayandeh Rud River, there are bridges, each of which tells a story from the heart of history. One of them is one of the 33 bridges that are remembered from the Safavid era and are considered masterpieces in Iranian architecture. For more than 400 years, the bridge has displayed its beauty and stood firm. This bridge is known as the longest bridge in Zayandehrud.
Around this bridge, there are resorts where Isfahan residents and domestic and international tourists can have a good time. It is impossible to be a guest at cafes near this bridge and enjoy the nightlife along the Zayandehrud River. Nightclubs are accompanied by the sound of instruments and singing and give new life to the body of the city.
Chehel Sotoun
Isfahan is a city of patterns and drawings and gives its travelers a feast of design, color, art, architecture, and history. In all this beauty and splendor, there is the Chehel Sotoun Palace in Isfahan, which is famous for its unique paintings and mirrors and once hosted greats from all over the world. The building dates back to the Safavid period and the times of Shah Abbas I and Shah Abbas II and is located in the middle of a large and lush garden. The garden is an excellent example of a Safavid royal garden and is one of the nine Iranian World Heritage Sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Forty Pillars Palace is a long-standing monument of the Safavid rule in Iran that fascinates tourists and enthusiasts of Iran tourism with its amazing and original architecture. The magnificent paintings of the historical work of Chehel Sotoun are just one of its attractions.
Vank Cathedral
Vank Cathedral is a historic church dating back to the time of Shah Abbas II. As the most important new Julfa church, it has been a center for the training of priests and caliphs and has served as a Christian seminary. Many monks grew up here and have reached the highest religious positions. Today, the Vank Church is the center of the caliphate and the center of communication between the Armenians of Isfahan and the south of Iran and the world, and it has a special and very important place among the Armenians.
Over time, this church has seen many historical scenes, and today it is remembered as the largest museum in Isfahan for exhibiting unique works. With its historical documents accumulated over 400 years, this collection's library is one of the world's most important centers of Armenian studies. The beautiful atmosphere of this church also houses the eternal home of several Armenian elders, and this adds to its importance.
Tabtaba’i historical house
Due to its unique beauty, this building is known as the "bride of Iranian houses" and is considered a masterpiece of ancient architecture.
The house covers an area of 4730 square meters and includes different sections with various uses. Every corner of this house is built using unique and intelligent principles, and it anticipates all of the residents' needs. Large houses allowed their wealthy owners to have their children live in the same house after marriage, in addition to themselves. Also, they have been a place for business and ceremonies.
Luxurious interior and exterior decorations, such as artistic plastering and the use of colored and sash glass, as well as the preservation of the originality of Iranian and Islamic architecture and design appropriate to the region's specific culture and climate, are some of the features that distinguish Kashan Tabatabai House. It becomes Iran's most unique historical landmark.
Maybe if someone doesn't know about these features, they can easily pass by just seeing the front door of the house, but when you enter the house, new and different images of Iranian houses will form in your mind that will never be forgotten.
Fin garden
Iranian gardens are one of the best examples of architecture in the world because they are a combination of history, architecture, and nature, and in all of them, the principles of architecture have been used intelligently. This singularity is so striking that hundreds of years later, the same architectural style is used to construct new gardens, attracting all eyes. But the garden that we want to talk about is Kashan Fin Garden, which is a very famous garden in Kashan. This garden is a superior example of Iranian garden architecture, and its name has been registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The antiquity of the Finn Garden is debated; some attribute it to the time of Ardeshir Babakan, the founder of the Sassanid dynasty. With the Arab army from the central deserts of Iran, there is talk of a garden in this area. The source reports the existence of a spring and a garden in a desert area.
Golestan palace
Golestan Palace is a name that shines among Tehran's attractions and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Most people consider this collection to be a work from the Qajar period, but its history dates back many years. Golestan Palace, which is more than 440 years old, is one of the most unique historical complexes in Iran, and with its beauty, it captivates the hearts of every viewer.
It's not just the palaces and mansions in the complex that are attractive and spectacular. The Golestan area is changing with towering trees, swimming pools, and building tiles. You can shop in the corner market or have tea in the small café.
Saadabad palace
The history of Saadabad Palace in Tehran dates back to the Qajar period, and like most palaces in Tehran, it was used as a summer property in a large garden. For many years, the palace was not used much until 18 new palaces were built on the site during the Pahlavi era. After the revolution, the doors of the complex were opened to the public, which used the museum.
After the collapse of the Qajar dynasty during the first Pahlavi period, Saadabad Palace was the resting place of the king of the time, and during the second Pahlavi period, the royal family moved completely to the palace. Currently, the Saadabad complex consists of 18 palaces, each of which was once a private palace of a member of the royal family.
Arg-e Bam
Bam Citadel is an ancient city and a large collection of tall and enclosed buildings located near the city of Bam in Kerman province. There are two government and peasant districts in the city, each with its structure and function.
Bam Citadel is a large fort or castle, the highest part of which is located in the heart of the fort. The majestic appearance of the citadel has led to the entire construction of the fort being called the Bam Citadel. The citadel is located on the Silk Road and was prosperous until 1850 AD, but it is not clear why people left.
Although there is disagreement about the history of the formation of this historical citadel between the Parthian and even earlier periods in the Achaemenid period, most of the buildings that were erected before the earthquake are attributed to the Timurid and Qajar periods. However, sections such as the Grand Mosque's porch, with its large and varied scale, harken back to much earlier times (from the fourth century AH during the Samanid period to the seventh century AH during the Seljuk period). Finally, the Bam Citadel was emptied during the Qajar period.
Shazdeh Mahan garden
In the not-so-distant past, in the middle of the road from Kerman to Bam and along the ancient Silk Road, it seemed to be the best place to build an aristocratic garden, which later became known as the Shazdeh Mahan Garden. Today, this garden is still standing and shows its glory and beauty in the heart of the desert to every passerby. It shines like a jewel on a ring in the desert land of Kerman.
Today, this eye-catching garden, in addition to preserving its historical and architectural values, has become a promenade and features facilities such as hotels and restaurants. The garden is so popular that many people prefer to celebrate the beginning of the year and have a different start to the year. Foreign tourists do not miss this masterpiece while in Iran and spend memorable moments in this world monument.
Chogha Zanbil
In Khuzestan province, there is an ancient and magnificent structure called Choghaznabil ziggurat. It is a temple structure built in 1250 BC by Ontash Gal or Ontash Napirisha, one of the Elamite rulers. The purpose of building this temple was to create a place of worship for the god Inshushinak, the goddess of guardianship over the city of Durantash (including the ziggurat of Chogha Zanbil and its surroundings), or Susa. Before the upper parts of Chogha Zanbil were destroyed in the Assyrian invasion, it was about 52 meters high and five stories high, but during this uprising and also with time, its upper parts were destroyed, and now it is only 24 meters high, and about three stories high. Each of the four corners of Chogha Zanbil is exactly 90 degrees from the geographical point of view, and this shows that the Elamites were familiar with the geographical direction and their identification. The ziggurat is made of thousands of raw, baked, and semi-baked bricks, of which 6,500 have inscriptions in Elamite script.
Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System
During the Achaemenid period until the Sassanids, the inhabitants of Iran created a series of bridges, dams, mills, waterfalls, canals, and huge tunnels to guide the water and use more water. Today, only a fraction of this complex structure remains, but the water spilled from the mill effluents has created beautiful artificial waterfalls that flow into pond-like grounds, creating a stunning view of the city.
This collection can be considered a living museum of the ancient Iranian water industry, which is proof of the advanced knowledge of Iranians in water engineering sciences, a knowledge that many do not know about. Closing the Karun River along the bridge over a river that is more than 2 meters wide and then controlling the flow of water, raising the water level, and sending it to agricultural lands more than 1700 years ago with the tools of that time cannot be ignored.
Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah and Shrine
The monastery complex and the tomb of Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili are rare buildings of Islamic architecture in the Middle Ages, and the monastery complex is the only registered work in Ardabil. As its name suggests, this building was a monastery and place of worship, and later it included the body of the founder of the complex and several Safavid elders. Apart from Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili, the Safavid sultan and founder of the monastery, several great Safavid rulers, elders, and sultans, such as Shah Ismail I (the first Safavid king), the wife of Shah Ismail (the mother of Shah Tahmasb), and the victims of the Shirvan wars and Chaldoran, are also buried in this complex.
In addition to displaying Iranian architecture, this collection is the manifestation of the most beautiful and eye-catching types of mosaic and muqarnas tiles, plastering, exquisite inscriptions by famous Safavid calligraphers such as Mir Emad, Mir Ghavamuddin, and Mohammad Ismail, unique carvings, Silver, gilding, painting, etc. are also among the most significant historical monuments in Iran.
Bisotun and Taq-e Bostan
Dariush's carved inscription in the Bisotun World Collection is one of the works of Iran's World Register. The Bisotun historical site, despite its numerous historical monuments such as the statue of Hercules II, the relief of Mehrdad II, Farhad Tarash, Paul Bisotun, Shah Abbasi Caravanserai, Shahi Road, etc., is one of the most important areas of Iranian archeology.
The Bisotun Plain and its sacred mountain have long been very important to the people, and kings roamed the various lands from the nearby route. There are caves on Biston Mountain that show signs of human presence since Paleolithic times.
What we know as Bostan Arch is a collection of lithographs and inscriptions related to the Sassanid period that is located in the Taq Bostan neighborhood in the northwest of Kermanshah. The site dates back to the third century AD and is considered one of the most valuable historical monuments in Iran and even in the world. The coronation of Khosrow Parviz, the coronation of Ardeshir II, the coronation of Shahpour II and III, and some inscriptions or inscriptions in Pahlavi script, the hunting of boars by horsemen, and playing music with a harp and other musical instruments are some of the motifs that can be seen in this collection.
Chak Chak cave
Chak Chak, Chak Chako, or Pir Sabz is the name of a shrine near Ardakan in Yazd province that all Zoroastrians worldwide regard as sacred and revere. With all their being, they love this shrine and consider it a symbol of the unity and convergence of the Zoroastrian community. In addition to the religious significance of this place, the existence of water and lush trees is one of the factors that distinguish it from other Zoroastrian shrines in Yazd. The chapel's simple, clean rooms, which are designed for Zoroastrian pilgrims, are also among its attractions. Chambers, the oldest of which dates back to the reign of Nasser al-Din Shah Qajar.
Religious and historical experts still do not agree on how this sacred place came to be. It is as if this shrine, like a secret, is in the heart of a mountain and only shows the miracle of creation to passersby.
Katalekhor cave
The cave dates back to 120 million years ago and has undergone many natural and artificial changes. Imagine for a second that you were transposed into the karmic-driven world of Earl. The cave was discovered about 65 years ago, in 1331, when a group of cavers visited the cave and recorded it. Since then, the cave has been known as one of Iran's natural attractions, and many cavers have visited it from time to time. In the old 700 meters, the cave was only 70 centimeters in diameter and was so narrow and long that the cavers walked through it in a bustling way. Of course, it's interesting to know that the first humans lived in the first 100 meters of this cave; this can be understood from the 80 skeletons found in this place.
Qale Rudkhan castle
Gilan's Rudkhan Castle is a place where you can immerse yourself in history and nature tourism; a historical castle in the heart of nature that has tasted the cold and heat of the times and still stands firm. If we told you the number of steps to Rudkhan Castle, you may be hesitant to visit this spectacular building, but just take a look at the photos of Rudkhan Castle to experience the ascent of this long staircase and walk more than 1000 steps.
Lut desert
The Lut Desert, or Lut Plain, is located between the Nehbandan faults in the east and Neyband Dam in the west and is located between the provinces of South Khorasan, Sistan, Baluchestan, and Kerman. Lot is the first naturally recorded work in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Iran. The desert is divided into two sections: one with sand and gravel and one without.
For this reason, it is not possible to just name the desert. The Lut Desert is a large part of Iran, and there is still much to be said. Due to its special wonders, this dessert has always been a collection of the "most." The warmest point on Earth has been a feature of the area for many years. Due to its various desert forms, this desert has attracted the attention of many desert climbers and researchers, and this has made these people travel to the hottest spot on earth.
Hormuz island
Hormoz Island is a small island in the Persian Gulf. An island is a place full of different colors, along with water and a completely different culture, so that when you enter it, it is as if you have entered another planet. It is safe to say that the island of Hormuz is the island of colors and wonders that have emerged from the heart of the sea. The island has many attractions, from colorful soils to strange architecture, each corner of which has an amazing story to hear and a plan to see. It is interesting to know that the soil of Hormoz can be seen in seventy colors. The soil of Hormoz Island is one of the wonders of this island. This area is not just an island; it can be said that it is a land of wonders.
The most important feature of Hormoz is the color of the soil on the coast and the island, as well as the salt valley on this island. For about three years, in the second half of the year, which is the best season to travel to the southern regions, artists have been drawing the earth's carpet of Hormuz using the colored soils of this island.
Valley of Stars
What is known as the "Valley of the Stars" or "Stars" is an eroded valley in the heart of Qeshm Island that is about 15 meters deep and amazes its viewers with unparalleled wonders. The nature of southern Iran on the northern side of the island and near the village of Barake Khalaf has exhibited its strange geological features. Just pass the village of Barake Khalaf and take a short dirt road to reach the entrance of this amazing valley. As you step into the valley, giant statues gradually appear and surround you. Each of them has a unique shape and takes on a special look at every moment. The further you go, the more you are immersed in this stunning beauty, and little by little, silence pervades your whole being.
What is in front of you is more than two million years old and was created by the erosion of soil, rocks, and sand during the geologic geology period (about 2 million years). To form this valley, the wind has blown and it has rained a lot of rain and thunderstorms to show such a masterpiece. The effect of mechanical erosion of running water due to rainfall is the most influential factor in the formation of this phenomenon and factors such as gender differences and resistance of different layers, the presence of veins and between the layers of gypsum or plaster, and the movements and internal pressures of the earth have also affected it.
Historical places in Iran
Historical places in Iran are one of the main tourist attractions for tourists traveling to Iran. The attraction of these historical places is due to the attractive and unique Iranian architecture. Iran is one of the few countries in the world with a rich and fruitful history. Nothing can acquaint you with the cultures of different ethnic groups as much as visiting historical places. In Iran, in every city and village you visit, you will encounter at least one historical monument. Since 1979, except for Yazd, 21 cultural, historical, and natural monuments of Iran have been registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
