The Tomb of Cyrus the Great and the First Achaemenid Capital

What is Pasargadae?

Pasargadae is the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire, located in present-day Fars Province, Iran. It is best known as the resting place of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire in the 6th century BCE. Today, Pasargadae is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Persian identity, history, and architecture.

History of Pasargadae

Founded by Cyrus II (Cyrus the Great) around 546 BCE, Pasargadae served as the political and ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid dynasty.
After his death, Cyrus was buried in a simple but majestic stone tomb, which remains one of the most important monuments of ancient Persia.

The city continued to thrive under his successors, including Cambyses and Darius I, before the capital moved to Persepolis.

Key Monuments in Pasargadae

1. Tomb of Cyrus the Great
   The most iconic site in Pasargadae. The tomb is built of massive stone blocks with a gabled roof, standing alone in a vast plain—reflecting both simplicity and grandeur.
2. Royal Palaces
   The remains of the Audience Hall, Private Palace, and Gatehouse show the early layout of Achaemenid court architecture, later perfected in Persepolis.
3. Garden and Water Channels
   Archaeologists believe Pasargadae had one of the earliest known examples of a Persian garden layout, complete with stone irrigation channels.
4. The Tall Stone Platform (Zendan-e Soleiman)
   A mysterious structure, possibly used for religious or ceremonial purposes.

Location and Accessibility

• Location: About 135 km northeast of Shiraz, near the city of Saadat Shahr, Fars Province, Iran
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
• Entrance Fee: Required (different for domestic and foreign tourists)
• Facilities: Tourist information center, local guides, parking, and restrooms

UNESCO World Heritage Status

In 2004, Pasargadae was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its outstanding universal value as the earliest capital of the Persian Empire and the tomb of its visionary founder.
It stands as a testament to Persian culture, tolerance, and the architectural innovations of the Achaemenids.

Source – UNESCO

Best Time to Visit

The best seasons to visit Pasargadae are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when the weather is mild and the surrounding landscape is at its most beautiful.