How to visit Persepolis (Takht-e Jamshid), Iran, Persepolis Tours Travel Information Guide

There exists visiting Persepolis, for every tours and travel itinerary to Iran, These are the Historical and Cultural tours that last anywhere between about five and fourteen days tours to Iran, almost every travelers make their way to visit most important places to visit in Iran, visiting Persepolis (Takht-e Jamshid) and other Archaeological, Historical and cultural and various other "standard" sites. They are the type of tour that most first time, classical tourists take when they visit Iran.

Any visit to Persepolis attractions are to be at the top of your travel plans to Iran. Here you will learn about what these attractions have to offer and how to visit Persepolis on a self-guided tour.

How to Visit Persepolis, Iran: Persepolis, Takht-e Jamshid (Throne of Jamshid), or also Parseh is the name of the capital of first Persian empires during the Achaemenian dynasty from 550-350 BCE, UNESCO registered Persepolis a World heritage site at 1979. Persepolis is situated 70 K.M from the city of Shiraz in small town of Marv-Dasht. Many travelers include their visit from Persepolis to Naghsh-e rostam, Naghsh-e rajab and Pasargadae as part of day excursions from Shiraz. Persepolis itself is a constant and popular attraction for any visit of Iran at large. Ruins of Persepolis stand for ancient Persian civilization's best and most archetypal work.

If you decided to visit Persepolis and want to stay for an overnight then the town-ship city of Marv-Dasht( Where Persepolis is located) offers travelers accommodations and food. But as we already described above many travelers visit Persepolis together with Necropolis (Nagheh-e Rajab) and Naghsh-e rostam as well as Pasargadae.

Getting to Persepolis: By Bus from Shiraz: Go by bus to visit Persepolis for easiest travel, take regular and frequently run Buses from Karandish Bus Terminal in Shiraz; you'll ride in a bus for 45 Minutes. There are also yellow taxis. These taxis are one of the best options for getting to Persepolis from Shiraz, Fix the price and Hop-In, Note: you should fix the price including waiting time for you when you are on your visit Persepolis.

By Taxi: you can take a taxi almost from everywhere in Shiraz to visit Persepolis, although all of Hotels in Shiraz can arrange it for an excursion to Visit Persepolis. However, haggle for the best price you'll pay.

What to see when visit Persepolis: Most must-see attractions within the Persepolis area are concentrated on the remains of the glory of the Persian Empire which flourished as early as about two millenniums and a half. These include:

The Gate of all of the Nations: referring to subjects of the empire, consisted of a grand hall that was a square of approximately 25 meters (82 feet) in length, with four columns and its entrance on the Western Wall. There were two more doors, one to the south which opened to the Apadana yard and the other opened onto a long road to the east. Pivoting devices found on the inner corners of all the doors indicate that they were two-leafed doors, probably made of wood and covered with sheets of ornate metal. A pair of Lamassus, bulls with the heads of bearded men, stand by the western threshold. Another pair, with wings and a Persian head, stands by the eastern entrance, to reflect the Empire’s power. Xerxes' name was written in three languages and carved on the entrances, informing everyone that he ordered it to be built.

The Apadana Palace: Darius the Great built the greatest palace at Persepolis in the western side. This palace was called the Apadana (the root name for modern "Iwan"). The King of the Kings used it for official audiences. The work began in 515 BC. His son Xerxes I completed it 30 years later. The palace had a grand hall in the shape of a square, each side 60 m long with seventy-two columns, thirteen of which still stand on the enormous platform. Each column is 19 m high with a square Taurus and plinth. The columns carried the weight of the vast and heavy ceiling. The tops of the columns were made from animal sculptures such as two headed bulls, lions and eagles.

The Throne Hall (The Palace of Hundred Column): Next to the Apadana Palace, second largest building of the Terrace and the final edifices, is the Throne Hall or the Imperial Army's hall of honor, This 70x70 square meter hall was started by Xerxes and completed by his son Artaxerxes I by the end of the fifth century BC. Its eight stone doorways are decorated on the south and north with reliefs of throne scenes and on the east and west with scenes depicting the king in combat with monsters. Two colossal stone bulls flank the northern portico. In the beginning of Xerxes's reign the Throne Hall was used mainly for receptions for military commanders and representatives of all the subject nations of the empire. Later the Throne Hall served as an imperial museum.

Tachar Palace: you should soak-up yourself at archaeological atmosphere when visiting Persepolis. the Tachar palace which was built under Darius I, and the Imperial treasury which was started by Darius in 510 BC and finished by Xerxes in 480 BC.

The Hadish palace: Ordered by Xerxes I, occupies the highest level of terrace and stands on the living rock. The Council Hall, the Tryplion Hall, The Palaces of D, G, H, Storerooms, Stables and quarters, Unfinished Gateway and a few Miscellaneous Structures at Persepolis are located near the south-east corner of the Terrace, at the foot of the mountain.

Tombs of King of Kings: there are 2 necropolises included what we visit in Perseolis, The two completed graves above Persepolis would then belong to Artaxerxes II and Artaxerxes III.

Ancient texts, Cuneiforms and inscriptions in Persepolis:  rock-carves and ancient texts are among the favorite subjects in Persepolis, you see them probably everywhere, the main purpose of these ancient texts are to promote what king of the kings has ordered to build. The cuneiform inscriptions of the gate of the nations are one good example. That says by favoure of Ahuramazda I built this gate of the nations.

Staying Safe: Persepolis; is amongst the main tourist attraction in Iran and attract millions of tourists each year. Therefore, they also attract very determined opportunists. You should report any instances of harassment on site by visitors to the officials immediately.
Persepolis is an ancient site, so, don't climb, or walk on the ancient walls when you visit Persepolis, This is officially forbidden and extremely dangerous.

Tips for visiting Persepolis :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.