Iran Cultural Sites: Photos of Iran’s cultural treasures

Iran’s cultural heritage is rich and unique, especially its religious architecture. The country has over 20 Unesco world heritage sites which have been well-preserved for thousands of years. These sites are of cultural and religious significance, and as such, they mean everything to them.

Let’s take a look at some of the numerous cultural sites of Iran, a country with a civilisation dating back to 5,000 years.

Persepolis

Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It exemplifies the Achaemenid style of architecture.

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is one of the architectural masterpieces of Iranian architecture that was built during the Safavid Empire, standing on the eastern side of Naqsh-i Jahan Square, Esfahan, Iran. The purpose of this mosque was for it to be private to the royal court. For this reason, the mosque does not have any minarets and is smaller.

The tomb of Prophet Daniel

The Tomb of Daniel is the traditional burial place of the biblical and Islamic prophet Daniel. Various locations have been named for the site, but the tomb in Susa, Iran (Persia), is the most widely accepted. Today the Tomb of Daniel in Susa is a popular attraction among local Muslims and Iran’s Jewish community alike.

Gonbad-e Kavus tower

Gonbad-e Qabus is a monument in Gonbad-e Qabus, Iran, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012. It marked the grave of Ziyarid ruler Qabus and was built during his lifetime in 1006/7.

Pasargadae

Pasargadae was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great, who ordered its construction. Today it is an archaeological site and one of Iran’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, about 90 km to the northeast of the modern city of Shiraz. A limestone tomb there is believed to be that of Cyrus the Great.

Vank Cathedral

Vank Cathedral is a cathedral located in the New Julfa district of Isfahan, Iran. Vank means “monastery” or “convent” in the Armenian language.

Bridges of Isfahan

Isfahan is one of the most visited cities in Iran due to five historic bridges in the city.

The five historic bridges in Isfahan over Zayanderud River comprises of some of the most exquisite architecture in the city. These five bridges include Shahrestan Bridge, Khaju Bridge, Choobi (Joui) Bridge, Si-o-se Pol Bridge, and Marnan Bridge.