9 Beautiful and Amazing Cultural Sites To Visit in Iran

Iran used to be the center of a big empire called the Persian Empire, stretching from Greece to China. The country has many special places with colorful tiles and impressive buildings that show its long and rich history.

Even though Iran has twenty places recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, not many people visit due to political reasons. But Iran has a fascinating culture that goes back 5,000 years, and its buildings show amazing skill in design and geometry – not just important for Iran, but for all of humanity.

These places give us a chance to learn about Iran beyond what we hear in the news. Even if you don't plan to go there, you can still appreciate these 9 incredible cultural sites in Iran.

# Persepolis, Shiraz

Located to the northeast of Shiraz is the ancient capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Dating to 515 BC, Persepolis (“the city of Persians” in Greek) would have been known as Parsa to the ancient Persians, and is one of the most famous cultural sites In Iran. While the city is now in ruins, you can still marvel at the colossal buildings covered in relief sculptures of bulls, lions, mythical creatures, the enormous columns, and grand marble staircases.

# Shah Mosque, Isfahan

Also known as the Royal Mosque or the Imam Mosque, this is one of the most recognisable sights in Iran. Built during the Safavid Dynasty in Naghsh-e Jahan Square, its beauty comes from its seven-colour mosaic tiles and calligraphic inscriptions. The Shah Mosque is one of the masterpieces of Islamic architecture in Iran.

# Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque, Shiraz

This 19th-century mosque is like a jewel box. The tranquil interiors fill with a kaleidoscope of colourful light as the sun rises. While this itself makes it worth visiting, the stained glass windows are not the only unique feature of the mosque. Its rose coloured interior tiles have also given it the nickname Pink Mosque.

# Imam Reza Shrine, Mashhad

One of the holiest sites in Iran, this is the largest mosque in the world. The mosque houses the tomb of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam, as well as many other important religious figures. Also here are a series of mosques, a madrasa, and a museum containing priceless historical artefacts.

# Golestan Palace, Tehran

The Golestan Palace was the former royal complex of the Qajar dynasty. The complex was built during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is filled with gardens and various royal buildings that were once contained within the “arg” or citadel walls of Tehran. Sadly, many structures were destroyed by Reza Shah between 1925 and 1945.

# Shah Cheragh, Shiraz

This building may look like an unsuspecting funerary monument on the outside, but its glittering interior transports you to another world. It’s insides are lined with glass tiles that bounce the light in every direction, and intricate geometric designs that create a stunning otherworldly light show. This monument has been a pilgrimage site since the 14th century.

# Tower and Fort of Bam, Kerman Province

The ancient desert city of Bam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Kerman province. Dating back 2,000 years to the Parthian Empire, the citadel, the Arg-e Bam, is the largest adobe building in the world. While it was abandoned after the Afghan invasions of 1722, the city is slowly being inhabited once more.

# Eram Garden and Palace, Shiraz

The three-storey Eram Palace and its Persian gardens were built in the mid-13th century. However, the gardens might have been laid out earlier, in the 11th century. The colourful tilework of the palace and the lush greens of the gardens are also reflected in an ornamental pool.

# Naqsh-e-Rustam Necropolis, Shiraz

Located near the ancient city of Persepolis is a series of enormous monuments carved into the mountains. These are the tombs and final resting places of the Achaemenid kings. While the tombs themselves were raided by Alexander the Great and his army after their conquest of the city, the sheer size of these carvings is magnificent in their own right.