The Ten Amazing Historical Architecture Places in Iran

Iran is full of astonishing wonders. Because of the political situation in the country, it could not be a top tourist destination, and like many of these wonders, unfortunately, are kept a secret from the world like the Ten Amazing Historical Architecture Places in Iran.
The Ten Amazing Historical Architecture Places in Iran each carries a rich history within its spaces. However, the complexity of the history of Iran is exceptional, layered with dynasties and rulers whose influence extended way beyond modern-day Iran. For Instance, sacred sites for the Zoroastrians are still remembered and visited, despite the restrictions placed upon them by the Iranian government. The wonders of these sites lead to opportunities to learn about and understand the history of Iran. This information is beyond what we hear in the news.

 

1- Persepolis, Shiraz

The list of Ten Amazing Historical Architecture Places in Iran starts with Persepolis. This wonderful place is situated 60 kilometers northeast of Shiraz. Persepolis, which literally in the Greek language means the city of Persians, was the ceremonial capital of Persia during the Achaemenian empire around 550-330 BC. The archeological ruins of Persepolis cover a total of 1.6 square kilometers with remnants of enormous columns, two royal palaces and gardens, and the personal palace of Darius the Great. The first place which you access is through the Gate of All Nations. In addition, international explorers from the past and hundreds of years ago have carved their names into the walls, now protected by glass barriers.

 

2- Necropolis, Shiraz

Number two on the list of Ten Amazing Historical Architecture Places in Iran is Necropolis. This wonderful place is 12 kilometers northwest of Persepolis. Several monuments were carved into the mountains and housing the tomb and final resting places of the Achaemenid kings. Unfortunately, Alexander the Great assaulted the tombs. However, this does not affect the majestic appearance of their exteriors in any way.

3- Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Shiraz

The list of Ten Amazing Historical Architecture Places in Iran continues with an amazing mosque. If you wake up in the early morning, let it be in the Nasir al-Mulk or Pink Mosque in Shiraz. You will be experiencing calmness in the main room as the sun rises and washes through the colored glass is a tranquil, humbling experience. Despite the place quickly fills up with tourists snapping their cameras, having a few moments to yourself in the early hours of the morning is what makes the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque deserving visiting. That is why this is number three on the list of Ten Amazing Historical Architecture Places in Iran.

 

4- Qavam House, Shiraz

The list of Ten Amazing Historical Architecture Places in Iran proceeds with Qavam House. If you want to visit Nasir al-Mulk Mosque and it begins too crowded, it is nice to take a walk to the Qavam House just a short distance away. This beautiful place, constructed between 1879-1886, has a magnificent display of mirrors and reflective mosaics.

5- Golestan Palace, Tehran

One of the UNESCO World Heritage sites and Ten Amazing Historical Architecture Places in Iran is Golestan Palace. This place is a collection of 17 edifices, which are in the form of gardens, Iranian craftwork, and old royal buildings that once were within the citadel walls of Tehran. In fact, during the Qajar Dynasty, from 1797-1834, most of the buildings and the structures were built. The bad news is a large number of the buildings were destroyed during the rule of Reza Shah.

6- Shah Mosque, Isfahan

Another UNESCO World Heritage site in the list of Ten Amazing Historical Architecture Places in Iran is in Isfahan. This mosque is a structural site that shows up in the huge majority of Iran travel guides in a space covered in beautiful blue and yellow mosaics known as Shah Mosque. This interesting mosque was officially renamed Imam Mosque after the 1979 Revolution. It is well-known, and you could spend an entire day walking around the mosque, finding its hidden secrets and taking in its details. An interesting thing that you should not miss is the experience of standing under the center of the main dome. You must stand there and speak. Your voice will create echoes that are indescribable, and that experience is meriting visiting this place.

7- Ali Qapu Palace, Isfahan

Isfahan continues to be on the list of Ten Amazing Historical Architecture Places in Iran. Let’s talk about a Palace which is filled with layers of architecture and time, quite literally. The building was built in stages, starting with the compact cubic entrance, then expanding with an “upper hall,” adding two stories above the entrance. The Music Hall is on top of this came and later the large eastern veranda opening up towards the square. At last, the veranda was adorned with 18 wooden columns supporting a wooden ceiling. During the Safavid Dynasty, Shah Abbas used to use this palace as a place to entertain his guests.

 

8- Khaju Bridge, Isfahan

During the Safavid Dynasty, this bridge was built by the Persian Shah Abbas around 1650. Khaju bridge is not only a bridge but also a dam and a popular public meeting space for people. Unfortunately, recently little water runs under and it boasts 23 arches spanning over 133 meters, though them today. The Zayanderud river is dried out for most of the year, due to the Chadegan Reservoir dam. Unfortunately, this has dampened much of the life that was once at the center of the city. Yet another remarkable work of Isfahan on the list of Ten Amazing Historical Architecture Places in Iran.

 

9- The Historic City of Yazd

The list of Ten Amazing Historical Architecture Places in Iran is very strong because of what Yazd Presents. This ancient city is filled with old single-story mud-brick structures that are hidden around narrow alleys, creating a maze-like city structure that was initially meant to confuse potential attackers. Most homes in this city contain an inner courtyard, often with a small pond, to cool down the buildings and improve air circulation. Some more fortunate inhabitants could afford to build “wind-catchers” or “Badgir” that drag fresh air down into the rooms and courtyards, maximizing airflow. Climbing up to a rooftop will open up another world. The earthen scene that is created by the organic domes and magnificent “Badgir” will give you an entirely different perspective on the old architecture of Yazd.

10- Tower of Silence, Yazd

Last but not least on the list of Ten Amazing Historical Architecture Places in Iran is a wondering belief. The Zoroastrians believed that the dead body would “pollute” the earth is buried in it. For the reason combat this problem, they built the Towers of Silence close to the sky, where special guardians would carry up the dead. In these large and exposed circular spaces, the sun and birds left behind nothing but bones, that were later collected and finally separated by lime and water. As the Iranian government has forbidden this practice Since the 1960s, the Towers haven’t been used. At the bottom of the towers lie the ruins of a small village, almost entirely covered by the desert.