Shapur Cave, Limestone cave with ancient statue in Kazerun County, Iran
Shapur Cave is a limestone formation in the Zagros Mountains with multiple terraces descending into the rock. The entrance rises roughly 30 meters high, with the interior organized across several levels that lead deeper into the mountain.
The cave holds a 7-meter tall statue of Shapur I, a Sasanian ruler who lived over 1,700 years ago, which was restored to standing position in 1957. This sculpture dates to a period when the Sasanian empire controlled the region and created grand monuments.
Two stone inscriptions frame the entrance, recording both the original text and details of the modern restoration work done here. These markings tell the story of how the place was valued long ago and how people today have worked to keep it standing.
The site sits at roughly 800 meters in elevation, requiring a steep climb over mountain paths to reach the entrance. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain, as the trails follow the natural landscape without much improvement.
Three ancient water basins sit behind the statue, likely used for ritual or practical purposes that remain largely unknown. The rock walls of the fourth terrace level also display unfinished relief carvings, showing the work that ancient artisans left incomplete.
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