Persepolis

Not far away from Shiraz, Persepolis lies on a small hill in the desert. Persepolis is one of the old capitals of Iran (but it seems to me that every Iranian city was capital of some kingdoms at some time). Persepolis was abandoned many centuries ago and then forgotten. Only recently archeologists have started to excavate.

The ruins are really imposing and spectacular. Huge columns and marvelous friezes depicting old populations, the kings and their court and mythological animals constellate all the site. Also, due to the lonely beauty of the surrounding landscape, Persepolis is one of the most fascinating places I saw in Iran. It is like going back to a different time in history.

A little piece of advice: do not visit the ruins in summer while the sun is high (as I did). You risk melting.