Istakhr, Ancient archaeological site near Persepolis, Iran
Istakhr is an archaeological site in Fars Province, Iran, located approximately five kilometers north of the ruins of Persepolis. The sprawling complex shows remains of stone walls, gate foundations, and column bases spread across gentle hills and flat plains.
The site was briefly chosen as the capital during the early Sassanid period before rulers moved their government to Ctesiphon. It later developed into a religious center that drew pilgrims and scholars from across the empire.
The name of this site comes from the Middle Persian word for "pillar," referring to the columns that once lined its main avenue. Visitors today can walk among foundation stones and scattered column bases that show where marketplaces and religious buildings once stood.
Visiting requires sturdy shoes, as the ground is uneven and many loose stones cover the terrain. The site sits open under the sun, so an early morning visit or late afternoon works best to avoid the heat.
Coins minted at this city often featured fire altar motifs, showing its importance as a center of Zoroastrian worship. Some stone blocks still carry faint inscriptions in Pahlavi script that visitors with sharp eyes can spot.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
