The hook
The ceremonial capital of the mighty Persian Empire, a terrace of colossal columns and stairways carved with processions of the empire's subjects bringing tribute, burned by Alexander the Great and left as majestic ruin.
01Why it's worth it
Persepolis was the grand ceremonial heart of the Achaemenid Empire, the vast Persian realm that under kings like Darius and Xerxes stretched from Egypt to India, and it was built to overawe. On a great stone terrace stand the remains of monumental palaces and audience halls: towering fluted columns, colossal winged bulls guarding gateways, and, most movingly, long relief carvings up the ceremonial staircases showing delegations from every corner of the empire, Ethiopians, Indians, Scythians, filing up to bring gifts to the king, each in their own dress. It was torched in 330 BC after Alexander the Great conquered Persia, whether by accident or revenge is still argued, and the fire helped preserve the reliefs. Standing among the ruins with the tombs of kings cut into the cliff behind, you feel the scale of the ancient world's greatest empire. Nearby Naqsh-e Rostam holds royal rock tombs.
02How to experience it
Come early or late for low light that brings out the tribute-bearer reliefs, and take a guide to read the processions and identify the peoples of the empire. Combine it with the royal rock tombs at Naqsh-e Rostam nearby. Base in Shiraz, and check current travel advice before going.