Sahneh Rock-Cut Tomb

The Sahneh Rock-Cut Tomb, also known as the Darband Rock Tomb, the Tomb of Kay Kavus, and the Tomb of Shirin and Farhad, is carved into the flank of Mount Shoq-Ali, north of the city of Sahneh and on the right bank of the Darband River. This remarkable historical monument dates to the Median period (and possibly to before the Achaemenids). It was inscribed on Iran's National Heritage list in 1315 (Solar Hijri) under registration number 148. Thanks to its two-story structure and architectural style, it is regarded as one of the rarest rock-cut tombs of the Median era. The route to the tomb passes through lush nature, with forest and fruit trees that make the walk even more beautiful.

The tomb is carved into a massive cliff more than fifty meters above the river. Its chamber measures roughly 14.5 by 11 meters, and its doorway opens to the south. The facade at the entrance has a columned porch, with columns in an inverted-bell design and fluting similar to Achaemenid column bases. They were later damaged by gunfire. The columns were harmed during the Russian invasion, when cannons were fired to break open the tomb's entrance, and as a result the decorations and inscriptions above the doorway were also destroyed. Above the doorway you can see a winged sun, a motif inspired by the ancient cultures of the region, such as the Assyrians.

The interior consists of an upper room with a stone platform on each side, and on each platform a rectangular grave measuring approximately 1.62 by 0.82 meters. Between the two platforms is a small opening leading down to a lower chamber, which contains another grave; niches for placing votive offerings have been cut into the opposite wall. About one hundred meters from this complex there is also a smaller rock-cut tomb, which appears to have been created at the same time as the main one.

Sahneh, a small city in Kermanshah Province, is known as the "Garden City of Kermanshah" for its lush orchards and delightful landscapes. The Sahneh Rock-Cut Tomb lies north of the city, along the Kermanshah–Hamadan road, less than four kilometers from the center of Sahneh. The approach, with its orchards and woodland, makes for a pleasant journey. The best time to visit is spring and early summer, when the local scenery is at its most beautiful and the weather is mild and pleasant. At the same time, responsible nature travel is essential: visitors should keep away from fragile or damaged sections, refrain from any digging or from moving stones and artifacts, and take their trash with them. Wearing proper hiking shoes is also recommended to prevent slips and injuries.