Pasargadae, the capital of the Achaemenid Empire during the reign of Cyrus The Great, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Iran in 2004. It is the burial place of the patriotic Persian king that the world still praises. Pasargadae is located in Fars province. The historic structures of this site are Pasargadae Mosque, Kingdom Garden, Gate Palace, Audience Palace, the Private Palace, Tomb of Cambodia, Mozzaffari Caravansary, and King’s Garden Fountains. Its most notable attraction is the tomb of Cyrus the Great, that was formerly known as Mashhad-e Madar Suleiman.
In archaeological excavations, researchers concluded that in the construction of Pasargadae, a mix of Anatolian, Mesopotamian, and Iranian architectures was skillfully integrated.
Tomb of Cyrus the Great
Cyrus The Great is the first king and founder of the Achaemenid Empire. He is one of the most famous and, of course, the most popular king in Iran. His fame is for his kingdom of justice and a people-centred government. He ruled many parts of Asia from 559 to 529 BC. He was killed in battle with the Massagets after about 30 years of a glorious reign. Cyrus’s body was transferred to Pasargadae, the capital of the Achaemenid empire and buried there.
Certainly, along with the palaces and historic buildings of Pasargadae, the Tomb of Cyrus the Great shines like a monument among other legacies of Achaemenid Era. The tomb is located in the southern part of Pasargadae Royal Complex. It was built in such a way, that it is visible from every direction in the Pasargadae plain. A beautiful and simple building that is built over 11 meters high. The architecture style of this valuable monument is derived from different nations. Such as the Greek architecture of Asia Minor, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Elamite, and authentic Iranian architecture. All exterior parts of the tomb are built on seven floors and on top of each other.
Other Palaces
Audience Palace or the Reception Palace of Cyrus, is on the northwest-southeast axis. The palace comprises a tremendous central hall with eight columns. It previously was a place where the king welcomed guests and officials from different nations.
The Private Palace is another magnificent monument in Pasargadae UNESCO World Heritage Complex. It is located 1300 meters northeast of Cyrus Tomb. According to the plan and architecture of the building, its usage was as a residence and home for Cyrus the Great.
Mozaffari Caravansary is near the Tomb of Cyrus. They irregularly made it of white stones abducted from Pasargadae.
Finally, The Gate of Nations is located in the east of the Pasargadae UNESCO World Heritage site. Also, this palace was the entrance to the Pasargadae complex, much like Gate of Nations in Persepolis.