How to visit Naghsh-e Rostam (the Achaemenian Necropolis), Naghsh-e Rostam Tours and Travel Information Guide

Before you visit Naghsh-e Rostam, Or Achaemenian Necropolis it will be useful to get familiar with what you are going to visit on Naghsh-e Rostam, site dates back Achaemenian times as it is considered for four tombs belonging to Achaemenid kings are carved out of the rock face. They are all at a considerable height above the ground.

What to see when visiting Nasgh-e rostam (Necropolis): One of the tombs is explicitly identified by an accompanying inscription to be the tomb of Darius I the Great (522-486 BC).

The other three tombs are believed to be those of Xerxes I (486-465 BC), Artaxerxes I (465-424 BC), and Darius II (423-404 BC) respectively. A fifth unfinished one might be that of Artaxerxes III, who reigned at the longest two years, but is more likely that of Darius III (336-330 BC), last of the Achaemenid dynasts.

Sassanid bas-reliefs in Naghsh-e Rostam: Separate from the Achaemenian Necropolis we see seven oversized rock reliefs at Naqsh-e Rustam depict monarchs of the Sassanid period which was added later in Sassanid Empire (the last Pre-Islamic Persian Empire ruled by the Sasanian Dynasty from 224 to 651). The rock reliefs are:

1)    The investiture relief of Ardashir I (r. 226-242)

2)    The triumph of Shapur I (r. 241-272)

3)    The "grandee" relief of Bahram II (r. 276-293)

4)    The two equestrian reliefs of Bahram II (r. 276-293)

5)    The investiture of Narseh (r. 293-303)

6)    The equestrian relief of Hormizd II (r. 303-309)

How to Visit Naghsh-e Rostam (The Necropolis): the site of Naghsh-e Rostam located about just few K.M from Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rustam lies a few hundred meters from Naqsh-e Rajab, So, Persepolis, Naghsh-e Rostam(the Necropolis) and Naghsh-e Rajab can be visited one by one as day excursions tours from Shiraz. There are no public transportations from Persepolis to Naghsh-e Rostam and Naghsh-e Rajab and you should ask your taxi to include your visit to Naghsh-e rostam (The necropolis) and Naghsh-e Rajab.

Tips for visiting Naghsh-e Rostam: As with anywhere you travel to Iran and during the hot months especially, take plenty of bottled water with you to drink and wear a hat and sunscreen. You should also wear sunglasses for further sun protection.