Naqsh-e Rostam, A Majestic Necropolis Carved into Cliff Faces

Located 12 kilometers northwest of Persepolis

Reliefs and murals are carved around the mausoleum

4.1

Introduction

Naqsh-e Rostam, located on a cliff not far from Persepolis, consists of four cross-shaped tombs (known as Necropolis) carved into the rock face. From right to left, they belong to Darius I, Xerxes I, Artaxerxes I, and Darius II. Each tomb is topped with an image of the Persian god of wisdom, Ahura Mazda, symbolizing divine authority. The tombs are well-preserved, although the central chamber was damaged by Alexander the Great during his conquest of the Achaemenid Empire, and is now inhabited by pigeons. In front of the tombs stands a cubic stone building known as Ka'ba-ye Zartosht, believed to be a Zoroastrian fire temple. Below the tombs, there are seven Sasanian reliefs carved into the rock face, the most famous of which depicts the Roman Emperor Valerian kneeling before Sasanian Emperor Shapur I. Adjacent to Naqsh-e Rostam is Naqsh-e Rajab, primarily featuring four Sasanian reliefs carved into the rock, including depictions of Emperor Ardeshir and Shapur I.

Address

Located 12 kilometers northwest of Persepolis

Opening hours

From April to October each year, the opening hours are 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM, while from November to March the following year, opening hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Transportation

A round-trip charter from Marvdasht costs about $10 (with a 30-minute stay); however, most day tours from Shiraz to Persepolis also include these two sites.