Australia
Iran Travel and Destination Guide
PLACES TO SEE
Shiraz
The attractions of Shiraz range from exquisite mosques, to mausoleums of great historical significance, to tranquil gardens. No visit will be complete without joining the thousands of locals in the Friday night ritual of strolling and picnicking along the western reaches of Dr Chamran Blvd.
Bam
Previously a pleasant town with a striking inner citadel and a spectacular 2000-year history, the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Bam in December 2003 decimated the few ancient structures that were still standing along with 70% of the residential area.
Varamin
Many of Varamin's historical buildings have been destroyed by earthquakes, but much of what remains was built by the Mongols in the 13th century. The dome, tiling, inscriptions and symmetrical iwans of the Jameh Mosque are justifiably famous. The nearby Borq-e Aladdin is also worth a look.
Imam Square
Known for centuries as Naqsh-e Jahan, or 'pattern of the world', this vast square is home to what is arguably the most majestic collection of buildings in the Islamic world. It's also the second-largest square on earth (after Tiananmen Square).
Ali Sadr Caves
These highly commercialised caves were discovered 40 years ago by a local shepherd out looking for a lost goat. They rise to a maximum internal height of 40m (131ft) and have a deep river flowing through the middle. Most Iranians are very proud of Ali Sadr.
Mil-e Gonbad
The astonishing Mil-e Gonbad Tower is so remarkably well preserved that one can scarcely believe it's almost 1000 years old. Soaring 55m (180ft) tall, it has the cross-section of a 10-pointed star, and looks like a buttressed brick spaceship. There's nothing inside except some remarkable echoes.
Choqa Zanbil
One of Iran's Unesco World Heritage sites, Choqa Zanbil's magnificent brick ziggurat is the best surviving example of Elamite architecture anywhere in the world. Even if you're not a fan of ancient ruins, the great bulk and splendid semi-desert isolation of Choqa Zanbil will impress.
Persepolis
Persepolis, the Throne of Jamshid, was a massive and magnificent palace complex built from about 512 BC and completed over the next 150 years. This magnificent site embodies the greatest successes of the ancient Achaemenid Empire, exemplified by the monumental staircases, exquisite reliefs, immense columns and imposing gateways.
©2007 Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
