Soltaniye dome in Zanjan

 From impressive and incredible monuments to precious religious shrines, Iran can boast a great deal of UNESCO World Heritage sites. If you are thinking of going to Iran, you, like many others, probably have Isfahan and Shiraz on your list without thinking of all the amazing, smaller towns in the country that are perhaps even more beautiful. Wen was accompanied by Milad and they didn’t take the road everybody else is taking. They visited Soltaniye dome in Zanjan where gave them a far more authentic Persian experience.

Wen and Masood are visiting Soltaniye Dome in Zanjan

Azadi Tower in Tehran

Azadi Tower has become the icon of Iran and a major tourist attraction in Tehran, with many people still visiting this landmark in the capital of Iran every year. It is 50 meters high and totally covered with cut marble. The stone walls, the pure lines, and the proportions of the whole building create a purposefully sober environment. Artifacts were chosen from different parts of the nation’s history as the tower is a duplicate of the Quran and a Declaration of Human Rights. Thanks to our energetic guests for sharing this amusing photo with us. 

 

 Australian guests are taking an  amusing photo in Azadi Tower.

Ancient Falak ol aflak Castle that Still Stands Today

Iran is dotted with many beautiful castles of varying shapes, sizes and functions – from romantic fantasy palaces to imposing military forts and picturesque manor houses. Ancient castles are sprinkled across Iran’s lush, green countryside in various states of ruin. The amazing artifacts, antiquities, and artworks can be found in Babak and Falak ol aflak Castles. Falak-ol-Aflak Castle situated on the top of a large hill with the same name within the city of Khorramabad, the regional capital of Lorestan province, Iran. This gigantic structure was built during the Sassanid era, while some of the archeologists believe that the castle’s structures date as far back as the Atabakan dynasty. The castle itself covers an area of 5,300 square meters and the height of the entire structure, including the hill, reaches to 40 meters above the surrounding area. It is 2,860 meters in perimeter and its tallest wall is 22.5 meters high. This space is divided into four large halls, and their associated rooms and corridors. Originally the castle used to have 12 towers, but only 8 remain standing today. The water well of the fortress lies in the area behind the first courtyard. Reaching a depth of 40 meters, the majority of the well's shaft is carved into the rock in order to reach the source of the spring. The castle is managed by the Iran Cultural Heritage Organization as a protected site. At present, Falak-ol-Aflak is on the Tentative List of UNESCO's World Heritage sites as an example of Persian Architecture.  The castle’s simple beauty makes it one of the most visited castles in Iran .Remember to add this magnificent monument in your bucket list while exploring west of fascinating Iran.

 Falak ol aflak Castle, Lorestan, Iran