Iran - Persepolis

Araz Sarbar - Iran - 2011

Persepolis

Founded by Darius I in 518 B.C., Persepolis was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It was built on an immense half-artificial, half-natural terrace, where the king of kings created an impressive palace complex inspired by Mesopotamian models. The importance and quality of the monumental ruins make it a unique archaeological site.

Persepolis is situated 70 km northeast of the modern city of Shiraz in the Fars Province of modern Iran.

UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979