Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Architectural Treasures
More than 3000 years of history and empire has left Iran with an array of architectural
treasures that include towers, great domes and adobe cities as well as mosques. The first
three listed here are World Heritage Sites; the others are awaiting listing.
Oljeitu Mausoleum
This vast 14th-century mausoleum with the world's tallest brick dome
is the most magnificent surviving Mongol structure in Iran, and probably the world (
Click
Naqsh-e Jahan
(
Imam) Square
The lasting glory of the Safavids is enshrined in the ex-
quisite mosques and palace that front Esfahan's unforgettable square (
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)
Arg-e Bam
The world's largest mud-brick structure, the Arg-e Bam is slowly being re-
stored and is still worth the visit despite being badly damaged by a 2003 earthquake (
Click
Mil-e Gonbad
A soaring, almost unfeasibly bold 11th-century brick tower (
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)
Jameh Mosque
Esfahan's Masjed-e Jameh (Congregational Mosque) is the finest remain-
ing Seljuk building and an encyclopaedia of architectural styles (
Click here
)
Cultural Encounters
Listening to impromptu poetry recitals, joining pilgrims at a Shiite shrine or locals for a
picnic, sipping tea at a carpet shop or smoking qalyan to traditional music, are parts of the
Iranian experience.
Picnic with the locals
Iranians might well be the world champions of picnic, and a walk
along the mountain trails of Darband in north Tehran will likely see you invited to join
them (
Click here
)
