Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Archaeological Sites & Ruins

Takht-e Soleyman

Takab, Iran

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST RUINS & SITES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 61 2026
Takht-e Soleyman

A UNESCO-listed archaeological complex in West Azerbaijan Province, near Takab, built around a mineral lake. Visitors walk among Sasanian-era ruins, a fire temple and a stone porch, with the lake in the middle of the site.

Highlights

  • Azar Goshnasp fire temple
  • Khosrow porch
  • Anahita temple

Good to know

  • Entry ticket to the main complex, parking is free
  • Plan two to three hours
  • Roads from Takab and Zanjan are rough, few signposts

Also in Iran

  1. Persepolis N° 12 Persepolis Marvdasht Ancient city
  2. Naqsh-e Rostam N° 52 Naqsh-e Rostam Marvdasht Pyramid or tomb
  3. Shushtar Hydraulic System N° 100 Shushtar Hydraulic System Shushtar Ruin