Travel bucket list idea:
Persepolis
Marvdasht, Fars Province, Iran
Last updated: 14 May, 2025
Persepolis, once the dazzling ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, rises solemn and sun-bleached from the plains near Shiraz. Founded by Darius the Great in 518 BC, it was designed to showcase imperial power and splendour – an architectural marvel of palaces, grand staircases, and intricate bas-reliefs celebrating tribute from across the empire. Successive kings added to its glory until 330 BC, when Alexander the Great swept through Persia and burned Persepolis to the ground in a symbolic act of conquest.
Today, its ruins still whisper of former grandeur. You’ll find monumental gateways, soaring columns, and remarkably preserved carvings of warriors, emissaries, and mythical creatures. The Apadana staircases and the Gate of All Nations remain spellbinding.
Visiting Persepolis is not just about ruins – it’s about standing at the heart of an empire that once ruled half the known world.
Don't miss
Don’t miss the Apadana reliefs, which depict dignitaries from across the empire in stunning detail, or the Gate of All Nations, guarded by colossal stone bulls. Climb to the tomb of Artaxerxes for panoramic views. The carvings, the symmetry, and the sheer scale are breathtaking – allow time to absorb it all slowly.
While you're there
Pair the visit with nearby Naqsh-e Rustam – a striking necropolis carved into sheer cliffs, where four Achaemenid kings, including Darius I and Xerxes, lie entombed in monumental cross-shaped facades. Below, Sassanian rock reliefs depict imperial triumphs. It’s a haunting, majestic place – where millennia of Persian power are etched into stone.
Logistics
Price from: £4
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
Persepolis is best reached from Shiraz, just 60 km away—an easy day trip by car or organised tour. Public transport is limited, so tours or taxis are more practical.
You can hire a local guide at the entrance or book a guided experience from Shiraz – this is definitely a site where you need a guide.
The site is expansive, so wear good walking shoes, bring water, and pack a hat and sunscreen. There’s limited shade and signage, so a guide is especially helpful.
