With 196 countries and countless exciting destinations worldwide, there is so much to see in a very limited time. Even the well-traveled person hardly gets to visit all and has to be selective. So, why should you consider visiting a country like Iran, especially when it comes to all those negative news and stereotypes surrounding it?
We’re here to give you the reasons and to help you overcome your doubts and even encourage you to consider your next trip to Iran, this mysterious land as soon as you return to your home country!
Different climates can be found simultaneously in Iran. Some cities have summer weather in winter, or have spring or autumn weather; at the same time in summer you might find some regions covered with snow, icicles or experiencing rain and breeze of spring.
Iran is the land of history and culture, not only because of its Pasargad and Persepolis, Chogha Zanbil, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Yazd and Shiraz, Khuzestan and Isfahan, and its tangible heritage inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List; indeed its millennial civilization and thousands historical and archeological monuments and sites demonstrate variety and value of religious and spiritual heritage, rituals, intact traditions of this country as a sign of authenticity and splendor.
Vank cathedral or Amena Pergic, the largest and most beautiful cathedral in Isfahan’s Julfa, one of the historical Armenian cathedrals, was established in the Shah Abbas II era in the lands of Zereshk garden in 1605; it was extended continuously during 50 years and finally reached to the current form. The plan of the cathedral is rectangular and its direction is eastern-western. The interior of cathedral presents a sample of Armenian architecture and its exterior facade has been designed by use of Iranian architecture and it is a professional combination of two architectural styles. The materials used in the building of Vank cathedral were brick and adobe and all the interior angles of cathedral covered by plaster and decorated by oil paint and gold in Iranian style and some images from Jesus (peace be upon him) life affected by Italian painting.
Historical square of Naqsh-e Jahan, currently known as Meidan Emam is one of the largest, most beautiful and magnificent squares in the world established in a garden named Naqsh-e Jahan (related to Seljuk era) in a rectangle-shaped place commissioned by Shah Abbas I. This square is the second large square in Isfahani architectural style.
Four remarkable architectural monuments placed here: Emam historical mosque in the south, Sheikh lotf Allah mosque in the east, Ali Qapu palace in the west and Qeysarie gate in the north of the square all architectural masterpieces which were built at the same time.
The square has had different functions over time: establishing a Royal Palace and holding ceremonies, military marches, ritual punishment of convicts etc. refers to the political implications; the existence of two important mosques on two sides, holding ceremonies and rituals as well as congregational prayers in the square in cases of the lack of space in Emam Mosque indicates the religious functions and the commercial functions are as well apparent in positioning the square at the heart of bazaar.
More than any other ancient site in Iran, Persepolis embodies all the glory of the Persian Empire. It was here that the Achaemenid kings received their subjects, celebrated the New Year and ran their empire before Alexander the Great burnt the whole thing to the ground as he conquered the world.
Transport to Persepolis and nearby sites is a problem. There is a scheduled bus service between Shiraz and Marvdasht but not to and from Persepolis itself, so the easiest solution is to hire (and retain for the return trip) a taxi, if not from Shiraz (50 km southwest) then from Marvdasht about 15 km away If possible, two visits should be made to the site: in early morning to explore when the light is much ‘whiter’, and about 90 minutes before sunset, when the stone takes on a softer, golden color.
Most of the stone now has a rough grey appearance, a result of wind-blown dust over the millennia, so do make a point of visiting the National Museum in Tehran to see the ‘waxed’ reliefs and column ensemble from Persepolis. This rich, dark brown stone set alongside a creamy limestone was the original coloring.
If you are limited to one visit, it will take three hours or so to walk around and take photographs, especially if you plan to walk up to the Achaemenid royal tombs behind for a magnificent view over the site. Take a telephoto lens or binoculars for viewing these tombs; these will also be useful if you’re going to Naqsh-i Rustam (usually included on the same day).
