Iran’s Top Cultural Sites in UNESCO World Heritage List

When most parts of the Middle East are hit by terrorism wave, Iran emerges as a safe destination for travelers. And the number of visitors have increased manifold since lifting of economic sanctions. More and more people are travelling to Iran in order to know about the country and its people, which has been home to one of the greatest civilizations in the world. Cities, bazaar, ancient systems of trade and town planning are here to charms travelers. There are several remains of its ancient past that may not be enjoying the previous splendor but still good enough to give an understanding of the grandeur this land once enjoyed. Most of them have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Here we give a lowdown on popular one.

Meidan Emam, Esfahan

A visit to Meidan Emam could be one of the best experiences of life and you would have great fun walking through the area eyeing magnificent architecture and haggling with hawkers. This 17th century structure was built by Shah Abbas and guarded by high walls. Meidan Emam gives travelers an interesting insight in to the prosperity Persia enjoyed during the safavid era.

Golestan Palace

This recent inclusion in the UNESCO heritage list, Golestan Palace is situated near Tehran’s Grand Bazaar hence easily accessible. Most of the travelers flying to Tehran make it a point to explore this market. Formerly seat of power for the Qajar rulers, the place leaves travelers awestruck with its amazing architecture which is a mix of Persian and Western architectures. Situated amidst gardens and plantations the palace still tells the tale of its impressive past.

Bam and its Cultural Landscape

Situated in Southern Kerman province of Iran, the city of Bam traces its history from 6th to 4th century BC. The city which is situated at the crossroad of important trade enjoyed prosperous days between 7th to 11th centuries. There were networks of underground canals remains of which can still be found. This ancient town is one of the top draw cards for travelers visiting Iran.

Pasargadae, Iran

Founded by Cyrus II the Great in the 6th century BC, Pasargadae boasts to be the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire. On their visit, the guests would find several architectural marvels that give an insight into that hints towards prosperous past once this region enjoyed the Achaemenid era. During their visit to the town the guests should visit the Mausoleum of Cyrus II, Tall-e Takht, audience hall, residential palace and garden which were popular draw cards. Pasargadae also commands the glory of being the first great multicultural empire in Western Asia. The town was included in the list UNESCO Word Heritage sites in 2004.

Soltaniyeh

Situated in the province of Zanjan, Soltaniyeh is home to the mausoleum of Oljaytu built in 14th century. The town also commands the glory of being the seat of government of Ilkhanid dynasty, founded by the Mongols. The town is a find embodiments of achievements of the Persian architecture. The interiors of the mausoleum are also a work of art.

Apart from that Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System, Armenian Monastic Ensembles and Persepolis are other UNSECO heritage sites that can be explored on a visit.