Firuzabad

Firuzabad, south of Shiraz, preserves the remains of an early Sassanid city and its associated palaces on the plain and in a nearby gorge. The circular plan of the ancient settlement, laid out by the dynasty's founder, can still be traced, along with a tall commemorative tower at its centre. In the surrounding hills stand a rock-cut palace and reliefs carved to celebrate royal victories and investiture. Visitors can explore the ruined halls of thick masonry and the great domed chambers of early Persian architecture.