Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Archaeological Sites & Ruins

Naqsh-e Rostam

Marvdasht, Iran

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST RUINS & SITES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 52 2026
Naqsh-e Rostam

A rock-cut necropolis in Fars Province, about 6 to 12 kilometres from Persepolis. Visitors see four cross-shaped royal tombs carved into a cliff, and Sasanian reliefs lower on the rock face.

Highlights

  • Tomb of Darius the Great
  • Sasanian rock reliefs
  • Kaaba of Zoroaster

Good to know

  • Hot with little shade, bring water and a hat
  • Cooler in early morning and late afternoon
  • Hiring a local guide helps, signs are incomplete

Also in Iran

  1. Persepolis N° 12 Persepolis Marvdasht Ancient city
  2. Takht-e Soleyman N° 61 Takht-e Soleyman Takab Temple site
  3. Shushtar Hydraulic System N° 100 Shushtar Hydraulic System Shushtar Ruin