Archaeological Remains of the Last Pre-Islamic Iranian Dynasty

The Sassanid archaeological landscape of Fars is located in the southwest of Fars Province. This magical place was registered in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in June 2018 to bring the number of Iranian works recorded among the UNESCO World Heritage List to 23, and Fars province works to 5. This archaeological landscape consists of 8 ancient sites in 3 cities of Firouzabad, Sarvestan and Bishapur.

The construction of the Sassanid archaeological landscape dates back to Sassanid dynasty (224 – 658 CE) when Fars Province was the capital and therefore contains the most number of ancient monuments from this period. The first dome in the world for example, was built in this era in Firouzabad and is considered as the most important historical site in Iran because it connects Sassanid and Islamic architecture. This era is a symbol of urbanization, art, architecture and Iranian petrography.

Sites of Sassanid Archeological Landscape

Ardashir Investiture Coronation Relief

In this relief, which is located in Firouzabad, the coronation of Ardashir is pictured. Ahuramazda is giving the imperial ring to Ardashir behind whom Shapur and 2 other prince can be seen.

The Victory Relief of Ardashir

Located in Firouzabad as well, this relief describes the battle between Ardashir and Adovan V (the last Ashkani King). With 18 meters length and 4 meters height it is considered as the biggest relief remained in Iran.

Shapur Cave

Six kilometers to Bishapur City, 800 meters up the mountain, there is a cave with a 30-meter-wide entrance. At the entrance there is the statue of Shapur which is about 1700 years old. It has, unfortunately, been partly destroyed due to an earthquake.

The Ancient City of Ardashir

Three kilometers to Firouzabad lies a disused city called Gur. This city was built by the order of Ardashir in early 3rd century. Considered as the first circular city in Iran, this city was a place for courtiers.

Ardashir Babakan Palace

Located in Gur City, this palace was built for the defeated Roman king who was kept captive here his whole life. The beautiful design and spectacular plaster makes this place particular.

Qal’eh Dokhtar

This 2000-square-meter castle is located 6 kilometers away from Firouzabad. The castle consists of three echelon shaped buildings the last of which has a big dome. The cornice in this castle is designed in Hakhamaneshi style.

Sarvestan Sassanid Palace

With the oldest brick dome in Iran, this place is located 9 kilometers away from Sarvestan City. The architecture and design of this palace is considered as the first steps to a unique building structure out of which the gothic architecture is believed to be born.

Bishapur Ancient City

Bishapur Ancient City is located in the center of Kazerooon. This city was built by the order of Shapur I in 1266. After the victory of Shapur I over Roman emperor he ordered to build a city in an area with a nice weather at the way of Takhteh Jamshid and Tisfoon. Today the ruins of this city has remained.