Persepolis is thought to have been founded by Darius I in 518 BC as the capital city of the vast and powerful Achaemenid Empire. The name Persepolis translates from Greek as ‘Persian City’ and it was built over a period of 120 years. Set on fire and looted by Alexander the Great in 330 BC, it is nevertheles still astounding in its size and splendour; constructed on a large terrace 10m (27ft) high, access is up a staircase wide enough to accommodate five horses abreast, and the huge pillars of the Audience Hall dwarf the visitors who come to see the impressive ruins.
Air: Tehran Mehrabad International Airport, Shiraz Airport (domestic flights). Road: Taxi: Services from Shiraz.

For more information on Persepolis, contact Iran Touring and Tourism Organisation (see Tourist Information above).