Carbon Neutral 100%
Destinations
Top destinations of the moment in Middle East
  • Tour Ideas
An update from Evaneos
Persepolis

Persepolis (Iran)

Practical information on Persepolis

  • Archaeological Site
  • Museums
  • Place or Historical Monument
  • Unesco World Heritage
  • Essential
4 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
1 h from Chiraz by car
When to go
April-May or September-October
Minimum stay
Less than a day

Reviews of Persepolis

Fabien Dany Seasoned Traveller
13 written opinions

Capital of the Achaemenid empire, stretching between the coasts of Greece and Afghanistan, before going up in flames after having been conquered by Alexander the Great in 330 AD, Persepolis gives you an idea of Iran's ancient grandeur.

My suggestion:

Plan to be at the site as early as possible to avoid the heat and the sun, and dispose of better lighting for your photos.

Climb up to the tombs on the side of the hill to get a gripping view of the whole site.

My review

The city was founded in 300 BC to serve as the administrative centre of a huge empire. The bas relief attest to the diversity of this empire which fought against the Greek cities, freed the Jews in captivity in Babylon and was then burnt down after being conquered by Alexander the Great on his way to India. Before doing the tour of the site, I suggest you pass through the small museum to get an idea of this little known chapter of Iranian history.

Combine the visit of this site with that of Pasargades , the neighbouring site that was the capital before it and whose elaborate gardens gave their name to "paradise". Also remember to visit the tombs on the side of the hill of the Naqsh-e Rostam site located nearby.

The visit to Persepolis can be completed by a stop at Iran's National Museum in Teheran , as it exhibits many artifacts that come from Persepolis.

Bas relief of the Naghsh-e Rostam site
Fabien Dany Seasoned Traveller
13 written opinions

Capital of the Achaemenid empire, stretching between the coasts of Greece and Afghanistan, before going up in flames after having been conquered by Alexander the Great in 330 AD, Persepolis gives you an idea of Iran's ancient grandeur.

My suggestion:

Plan to be at the site as early as possible to avoid the heat and the sun, and dispose of better lighting for your photos.

Climb up to the tombs on the side of the hill to get a gripping view of the whole site.

My review

The city was founded in 300 BC to serve as the administrative centre of a huge empire. The bas relief attest to the diversity of this empire which fought against the Greek cities, freed the Jews in captivity in Babylon and was then burnt down after being conquered by Alexander the Great on his way to India. Before doing the tour of the site, I suggest you pass through the small museum to get an idea of this little known chapter of Iranian history.

Combine the visit of this site with that of Pasargades , the neighbouring site that was the capital before it and whose elaborate gardens gave their name to "paradise". Also remember to visit the tombs on the side of the hill of the Naqsh-e Rostam site located nearby.

The visit to Persepolis can be completed by a stop at Iran's National Museum in Teheran , as it exhibits many artifacts that come from Persepolis.

Bas relief of the Naghsh-e Rostam site