About Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam
Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, begun by Darius the Great and burned by Alexander in 330 BCE. Its terraces of columns and stairways carry reliefs of delegations from across the empire bringing gifts, possibly at Nowruz. Above many reliefs hovers the winged figure often identified with Ahura Mazda or the Faravahar, linking the site to the Zoroastrian heritage of ancient Iran. Its stone remains are remarkably well preserved.
Six kilometers away, four cross-shaped royal tombs are cut high into the cliff of Naqsh-e Rostam, including that of Darius I. Below them, Sasanian reliefs show kings receiving the ring of kingship from Ahura Mazda, and a square stone tower called the Kaaba of Zoroaster stands at the foot of the cliff. Its purpose is still debated by scholars. Together the two sites reveal how Persian kings linked their power to the divine order and to the Zoroastrian ideal of truth.
What to see
- Gate of All Nations
- Apadana staircase reliefs
- Hall of a Hundred Columns
- Royal tombs of Naqsh-e Rostam
- Kaaba of Zoroaster tower
Visiting Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam: practical guide
- Best time
- March to May and October to November
- Hours
- Open daily, roughly 8:00 to 17:00 or later in summer
- Entry
- Separate fees for Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam
- Dress code
- Sun hat, comfortable shoes; hijab for women in public in Iran
- Nearest airport
- Shiraz International Airport (SYZ), 60 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Start early to avoid heat and tour buses
- Climb to the tomb of Artaxerxes for a panorama
- Combine with Pasargadae, 80 km north
Festivals and special days
- Nowruz
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Zoroastrianism tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Many fire temples in India admit only Zoroastrians; view them respectfully from outside.
- In Iran, visitors can often see the sacred fire through a glass window.
- Cover your head in prayer areas when asked.
- Do not blow on or throw anything into a sacred fire.
- Avoid photographing people at prayer without permission.
- Treat Towers of Silence as funerary sites, even when no longer in use.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam?
Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam is in Marvdasht, Fars Province, Iran, Asia. GPS coordinates: 29.9355, 52.8916. The nearest airport is Shiraz International Airport (SYZ), 60 km.
What is the best time to visit Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam?
March to May and October to November
Is there an entry fee for Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam?
Separate fees for Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam Opening hours: Open daily, roughly 8:00 to 17:00 or later in summer
What should I wear when visiting Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam?
Sun hat, comfortable shoes; hijab for women in public in Iran
Which religion is Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam sacred to?
Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam is sacred to Zoroastrianism. Archaeological ruins. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
