After a hectic few days in Kerman, we made our way to Shiraz, known as the cultural and artistic heart of Iran. Due to the Ashura ceremonies, buses were unavailable for three days, so we hired a taxi for the journey. Normally, a nine-hour taxi ride with a couple of stops would be too expensive for us, but since it only cost $60, we decided to go for it instead of waiting.
Visiting the Cave City of Meymand
Our taxi driver was unusually quiet and somber, unlike most people we met in Iran, but he took us where we wanted to go. Our first stop was Meymand, an ancient cave village similar to Cappadocia in Turkey. People have lived there continuously for at least 3,000 years! As we explored their beautiful rock homes, the local inhabitants watched us curiously. Without any tourists around, there were very few curio shops, which made the place feel genuinely authentic.
After Meymand, we got back in the car for another four-hour drive to Persepolis, Iran’s most famous tourist site. Founded by Darius I and expanded by King Xerxes I and II, as well as Artaxerxes I, II, and III, Persepolis was built around 520 B.C. Despite the centuries, its detailed stone carvings and towering columns have remarkably survived. Wandering through Persepolis, we could almost hear the trumpets and the bustling life of the ancient palace.
Entering Persepolis: “The Gate of All Nations”
Some of the carvings in Persepolis are so well-preserved that they still have a polished shine. The Apadana Staircase, depicting scenes of delegates and kings being welcomed to the palace from all over the world, vividly illustrated the site’s former opulence and importance. The stunning details in the carvings helped bring this ancient place to life in our imaginations.
Impressively Preserved Carvings (2,500 years old!)
The vast site is largely in ruins, but enough structures remain to give a solid sense of its former grandeur. Using a map from our guidebook (which wasn’t great), we enjoyed getting lost in the complex.
We climbed up to the mountain tombs of Artaxerxes II and III. While not as impressive as the city itself, they offered breathtaking views over Persepolis. From this high point, we could see the massive main palace with its 100 columns and a treasury that was once filled with gold and jewels. It’s said that when Alexander the Great conquered the city around 331 B.C., he needed 3,000 camels just to carry away his loot.
We’ve visited many amazing historical sites around the world, but Persepolis is among the best. Its detailed carvings, towering palace walls, and leaning columns make it unforgettable. Some people say they get tired of seeing ancient monuments, but not us. Standing before a place like Persepolis and imagining life over two millennia ago is truly a privilege, and we felt honored to be there.