Naqsh-e Rustam

Naqsh-e Rustam is an ancient complex near Persepolis, about 60 kilometres north of Shiraz, in Marvdasht County, Fars Province. This historic site includes the tombs of four Achaemenid kings, along with reliefs and inscriptions from the Elamite, Achaemenid and Sassanian periods, which make it one of the most important archaeological sites in Iran.

The tombs of Naqsh-e Rustam are carved into the rocky mountainside and reflect the unique architecture and art of the Achaemenid era. The tombs were built as burial chambers cut into the rock, and their entrances lead through corridors to the main halls. Alongside these tombs, you can see reliefs of Sassanian kings such as Shapur I, Ardashir I (Ardashir Babakan) and Narseh, as well as inscriptions from the Elamite and Sassanian periods, which depict historical events, coronations and military victories. The vegetation around the area mostly consists of shrubs and desert plants such as milkvetch (gavan), wormwood (artemisia) and Syrian rue (esfand), and among the wildlife you may spot species such as foxes, hares and mountain birds in the surroundings.

To reach Naqsh-e Rustam, you can travel from Shiraz towards Marvdasht. The road is well marked, and signposts will guide you to the destination. The best time to visit this historic complex is autumn, winter or early spring, when the weather is milder and better suited to sightseeing. Visiting hours at Naqsh-e Rustam are from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in spring and summer, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in autumn and winter. It is essential to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism here, such as keeping quiet, not damaging the ancient monuments and not littering the environment.