Discover the Ancient City of Shahr-e Gour
A Ruined City from Sassanid Era
Shahr-e Gour is one of Iran’s important archeological landscapes. The UNESCO site is considered as the country’s first circular city, dating back to ancient civilizations. Shahr-e Gour is located in northwest of Firuzabad in Fars Province. This enigmatic city is still an excavation site and archeologists continue to discover new findings about Sassanid Empire and previous Persian dynasties.
Visiting this attractive city with its unique design offers a new experience in Fars Province. The province already entails fascinating history for tourists. Although landmarks such as Persepolis, Eram Garden ,Naghs-e Rostam and Nasir al-Mulk Mosque are top attractions in the city of Shiraz, but Shahr-e Gour is one of the enchanting and strangest historical places to see. The city is around 100 km further down the Persepolis, hence visitors simply can not miss this ancient spot.
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Explore Shahr-e Gour Unknown History
The city is a lesser-known ancient treasure unfolding history of Achaemenid ,Parthian and Sassanid eras. The name Shahr-e Gour literary meaning city of ditch due to its many high and low plains. The remaining moat and rampart are still noticeable in the ruins.
According to archeologist discoveries, the city has been established long before Sassanid dynasty. Shahr-e Gor became the new capital city of the Sassanid Empire in the 2nd century BC. , by king Ardashir I (180-242 BC). Later on, it was become known as Ardeshir Khwarrah .The city remained protected and untouched by the Alexander the Great’s attack in 330 BC due to its fortified structure. The city’s name changed to Firuzabad during the early Islamic era.
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Shahr-e Gour was recorded in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2018 as Sassanid Archaeological Landscape. The aerial footage of the site, shows the city’s particular architecture. The most visible image that first astonishes visitors is an enormous circle with a stony pillar in the center.
The tower like structure known as Milo Minaret is also registered in Iran’s National Heritage list. About 40 percent of discovered pottery objects in the site belonged to Sassanid era. Evidences indicate the city was prosperous with agriculture and trades with China, India and Rome.
Captivating City Structure
The large scale city planning in Shahr-e Gour has fascinated many travelers and archaeologists through centuries. Many theories created on how the 300 hectares city with almost perfect 2 km diameter was built or what was the purpose of the 33m height tower. The discovered ruins of 20 walls , a mud-brick rampart and a moat 50m wide surrounded the city.
While 3 circular walls divided the area in to 61 zones. The city had contained two sections. The main section with 400m diameters in the center belonged to the royals and courtiers, while the distant rural areas were for commoners’ residency. The city had two main and crossed streets. Two axes divided the town into four equal parts. At their end each part were marked by four gates. the Gate of Hormoz in the north, the Gate of Ardashir in the south, the Gate of Mithra in the east, and the Gate of Bahram in the west. The carved images on these gates are similar to gates in Persepolis.
The stunning tower at the center of the circle was first perceived to be Atesh-Kadeh (fire temple), but archaeologists concluded its main purpose was a fortified palace. Archeologists have discovered a stone carving of four Sassanid princess near the tower. Remains of other structures a dome building called Takhtneshin for ceremonial events near this minaret and an observatory.
Planning The Trip
It’s best to visit the Shahr-e Gour during the day or before the sunset since the lighting around the premises is very scarce. It would take two to three hours to see the entire city. The historical land lacks tourists’ facilities. Visitors are advised to carry food, drinking water and camping tents. There are no shade to shelter tourists during extreme summer heat.
Thus best season to visit the city is late winter and early spring. The city is open to public from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm during spring and summer while it closes early in 6:00 pm in autumn and winter time. Visitors who like to avoid big tourist crowds are recommended to come to the city in the autumn. Shahr-e Gour is only 100 km away from south of Shiraz. Tourists can travel to the ancient city by car or buses.
Nearby Attractions
Apart from the ancient city, visitors have the opportunity to see more historical attractions nearby. Ardeshir Babakan Palace is 8 km north of the Shahr-e Gour. Going 15 km north from the city, Qaleh Dokhtar (the Daughter’s Citadel) is the remaining of a military site during the reign of Ardeshir Babakan. ,Tangab Lake Dam is 30 km north of Gour, has a beautiful scenery and various bird species.
Khergheh touristic village is located 19km east of the city in a green valley perfect for a short rest in a rustic area. Hayghar Valley (Strait) is 40km south east of Shahr-e Gour, is Iran’s geopark in Fars Province. The landscape is one the most pristine beauties in the country. Located between Zagros Mountain and Ghareh Aghaj River, dubbed as Grand Canyon of Iran.
Final Note
The ancient Shahr-e Gour is an extraordinary site and Iran’s first circular city. The city planning and the remaining structures are an architectural wonder from Sassanid Empire and older dynasties. Visitor will enjoy a journey through out time and experience early Persian history.
FAQ
What are The Features of Shahr-e Gour?
The city’s circular design with a gigantic stony tower(Milo Minaret) in its center and several ceremonial structures are important features of Shahr-e Gour.
When Is The Best Time to Visit The Ancient City?
The best season to visit is during late winter and early spring. Tourists are advised to visit the site during the day before 6:00 pm.
How To Access to Shahr-e Gour?
Tourists can reach to the ancient city from Shiraz via Firuzabad road by car or buses.
