Persepolis, Iran: A Majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site

Persepolis, Iran: This week’s Travel Tuesday feature! (Persepolis at sunset photo: Pourhassan, Alireza, Wiki Commons)

Persepolis - panoramic view (Photo: Ggia, Wiki Commons)

Background

Literally meaning “Persian City” in Greek (Πέρσης), the ancient site of Persepolis, Iran is located about 70 km northeast of the contemporary city of Shiraz. It used to be “the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire (Wikipedia).

Map of the Achaemenid Empire during Darius the Great and Xerxes' time (Wiki Commons)

It is believed that two rulers must be attributed for the construction of Persepolis, Iran: Cyrus the Great (Kūrosh), who chose its location, and Darius the Great (Daryush), who is actually responsible for the bulk of construction. This includes the terrace, the Council Hall, and great palaces. Conversely, the destruction of Persepolis is attributed to Alexander the Great and an “accidental” (or deliberate?) burning of the city.

Persepolis, Iran - Apadana Palace (Wiki Commons)

Other Ruins on Site

Gate of All Nations – entrance on the Western Wall

Gate of All Nations, Persepolis (Photo: Alborzagros, Wiki Commons)

Tombs of King of Kings – the name might be somewhat deceiving, as Darius the Great, Xerxes I, Artaxerxes I and Darius II are believed to be buried in Naghsh-e Rustam (about 12 km northwest of Persepolis); while Cyrus The Great’s body is believed to be buried at Pasargadae.

Unicorns in the bas-reliefs at Persepolis (Photo: Ginolerhino, Wiki Commons)

The Throne Hall – second largest building of Persepolis’ Terrace, right after the Apadana Palace.

Persepolis - The Throne Hall (Photo: diocal, Flickr)

Have you visited Persepolis, Iran? Is it on your travel bucket list?