Essential Sights That Make Iran A Beautiful Tourist Place

Iran is a big country, and you certainly have a lot of ground to cover whilst visiting, but there are some places that are essential sights for anyone to see. From stunning architectural delights and diverse natural landscapes to historical palaces, here are 5 places you just cannot skip if you’re visiting Iran.

* Tehran Grand Bazaar

The bazaars in Iran are said to be the heart of Persian culture and commerce, and the Grand Bazaar in Tehran is no exception. You will find anything and everything you could possibly want here, from carpets and fabrics to everyday homewares and jewellery. If you’re looking for souvenirs to take back home to friends and family then the bazaar is great for finding bargains on Iranian-made handicrafts.

* Naqshe-Jahan

Situated at the centre of the city of Isfahan, Nash-e-Jahan is a UNESCO World Heritage site that was constructed between 1598 and 1629. The square is 160 metres wide by 560 metres long and is surrounded by buildings from the Safavid era. Some places of note located in and around the square include the Ali Qapu Palace, the Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque, the Imam Mosque and the Isfahan Grand Bazaar.

* Vank Cathedral

The 17th-century Vank Cathedral is located in the Armenian quarter of the city of Isfahan. It’s a grand example of religious diversity in the country, as well as a show of some truly remarkable architecture. The cathedral was built for the hundreds of thousands of Armenians offered refuge by Shah Abbas I during the Ottoman War of 1603-1618.

* Nasir ol Molk Mosque

Located in Shiraz, the Nasir ol Molk is famous for its mesmerising stained glass windows that project colourful kaleidoscopic shapes when the light passes through them. Built in the Qajar era, it is also widely called the ‘Pink Mosque’ due to the use of pink tiles inside.

* Bagh-e-Eram

Another beautiful location also located in Shiraz is the garden of Eram. Here you can stroll through luscious, meticulously kept gardens and admire the array of different flowers and trees. Bagh-e-Eram translates as the garden of paradise. B0th the garden and the palace within it are thought to have been built in the mid-13th century.