Shiraz is city dating back thousands of years to ancient Persia. It is known for its beautiful gardens and famous 13th and 14th century poets, Saadi and Hafez. It is also famous for its eponymous wine. Iran was one of the great one producing countries from the 9th century. Before the revolution, there were 300 wineries in Iran. Today no wine is produced and its consumption is prohibited.
About 60km north of Shiraz, you can visit Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Archaemenid empire. Persepolis was founded in around 550BC by Cyrus the Great and was the largest empire the world had ever seen. It was eventually conquered by Alexander the Great in 33BC. The city was ransacked and burned to the ground. Historians argue over whether the fire was set accidently or it was a revenge attack for the sacking of the Acropolis in Athens by the Persian army.
Near Persepolis is Naqsh-e Rustam, an ancient necropolis, where the ancient kings of the Persian empire are alleged to have been buried. You cannot enter the tombs, but guides have photos, including ones of tourists in the 70s carving their names into the walls.
These pictures taken at: Arg of Karim Khan, an 18th century castle; Qavam House, owned by wealthy merchants in the 19th century; Vakil Mosque and Bazaar; the Tomb of Hafez; Persopolis, and; Naqsh-e Rustam.
Click on the thumbnails to enlarge the images.
