The nation of Iran is an unearthed treasure holding some of the richest gems of culture, heritage, architecture, and monuments. Beautiful tiles, amazing gardens, and mesmerizing ruins pickle the city with an inviting aura that can’t bypass the wandering spirit in you. These riches are not impossible to visit and relish in. Iran’s contribution to the UNESCO World Heritage Site legacy since its accession to the convention in 1975 is significant. There are nearly 24 World Heritage sites registered with Iran that are breathtakingly worth your time spent there.
As the hub of the yesteryear Persian Dynasty, the world looks upon Iran with surprise at the preserved remnants that stand to tell the tale of times. Middle East Airlines have now made it possible for enthusiasts to visit their pearls of geometric and architectural elegance by flying to the nation’s cities at the best fares and utter comfort. Take a ride with us as we introduce you to the alluring reasons why Iran holds a huge place on the World Heritage Sites’ page.
1. Persepolis, Shiraz
These beautiful artifacts of ruined obelisks date back to the Achaemenid Empire. These pillars and colossal monuments have marble stairs, cravings, and murals of animals with reliefs of age-old stories shared with the world on these walls. This Heritage site is one of the famous tourist attractions along with other crowded and must-visit cities of Shiraz.
2. Tower, Fort, and Castle of Bam, Kerman Province
Get ready to stand in front of the world’s largest adobe (mud brick) building that was built during the Parthian Time. This is a fortified citadel and town with a fortress and castle area built out of the good old sand bricks before which modern building aids don’t stand a chance. It’s not only the architectural style because the city of Bam is on the Heritage list, but also the rich culture and ancient means of settlement that is still a wonder in modern times.
3. Naqsh e Rustam Necropolis, Shiraz
Located close quarters to the Persepolis at Shiraz, these are the royal tombs of stones of the Achaemenid Kings vigorously built inside the towering mountains at Shiraz. These structures are very big, shockingly appealing, and humbling to behold for the naked eye. Though Alexander and his army raided the tombs during their invasion of the city, the built-in realms have stood the assault and thus owns a prestigious place in UNESCO’s list.
4. Bazaar, Yazd
These mud brick pillars act as “wind catchers” in the desert region to provide a cooler atmosphere. These adobe minarets act as wind filters and propellers to cool the surroundings which come in handy for the scorching heat in the mainland. The number of years these structures have withstood states the stealth of the architecture and its means.
5. Pasargadae, Shiraz
This impressive collection of buildings, gardens, and rivers is a reminder of one of the biggest empires in history, stretching from the Mediterranean to the Ganges. These monuments stand tall to reflect the togetherness that was most often spoken about throughout the Achaemenid era. It was created by the Cyrus Emperor, a forerunner of global peace and harmony, and was modelled after the Taj Mahal in India and the Alhambra in Spain.
6. Shah Mosque
The Naghsh-e Jahan Square hosts one of the regal architectural gems of Iranian Heritage, the royal Shah Mosque belonging to the Safavid Dynasty. The elegantly colored tiles adorning the domes reflect beautifully giving the sky a magical hue.
7. Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System
Deemed as “a masterpiece of genius and creativity” by UNESCO, this is ancient Iran’s architecture at its best. Nothing competes with this series of canals, waterfalls, hydraulic systems, mills, and bridges to propel water effectively. This engineering beauty is rightfully a part of the Iran Heritage Tour for all the magnificent glimpses of pre–Industrial Revolution engineering it shades light at.
8. Tchogha Zanbil
The first of its kind to be added to the World Heritage Site of UNESCO from Iran, this religious ziggurat is one of the iconic monuments of ancient Iranian heritage. This pyramid structure now stands as a two-floor structure having withstood the changing times from its original 5-floor height.
