Set among the serene plains of Fars Province, Pasargad marks the birthplace of the Achaemenid Empire and the vision of Cyrus the Great, one of history’s most admired rulers. Built in the 6th century BC, it became the first royal capital of ancient Persia—a city designed not just for governance but as a symbol of unity and grandeur.
The heart of the site is the Tomb of Cyrus, standing in timeless simplicity against the vast sky. Surrounding it are the remains of royal palaces, ceremonial halls, and fortified terraces known as Tall-e Takht. Pasargad also introduced the earliest form of the Persian Chahar Bagh, a quadrilateral garden design that later inspired Persian and Islamic landscape architecture for centuries.
More than ruins of stone, Pasargad embodies the spirit of tolerance, innovation, and cultural refinement that shaped an empire. Today, it invites travelers to walk in the footsteps of Cyrus and witness the foundations of one of the world’s greatest civilizations.
By Air
The nearest major airport to Pasargad is Shiraz International Airport (SYZ), located approximately 135 km from the site. Visitors can fly into Shiraz from various Iranian cities, including Tehran, Kish Island, Mashhad, etc.
Upon arrival in Shiraz, travelers have several options to reach Pasargad:
- Private Car or Taxi: The most convenient method, taking about 2 hours via the Shiraz-Isfahan highway, passing through Sa’adat Shahr and Madar-e-Soleyman.
- Public Transportation: From Karandish or Ali Ibn Hamzeh terminals in Shiraz, buses or shared taxis can be taken to Sa’adat Shahr. From Sa’adat Shahr, visitors can hire a local taxi to reach Pasargad, which is approximately 20 km away.
By Road
Pasargadae is accessible by road from several major cities:
- From Shiraz: Approximately 135 km, about 2 hours by car.
- From Isfahan: Approximately 355 km, about 4.5–5 hours by car.
- From Yazd: Approximately 314 km, about 3.5–4 hours by car.
The roads are well-maintained, offering scenic views of the Persian plains and hills. There is no direct public transport to the site, so most travelers drive themselves, hire a local taxi from nearby towns, or join a guided tour.
By Train
While Pasargad does not have its own train station, visitors can utilize the Iranian railway network to reach the site:
- From Isfahan: Take a train to Sa’adat Shahr station, which is approximately 20 km from Pasargad. From Sa’adat Shahr, taxis are available to take you to the archaeological site.
- From Shiraz: Take a train to Sa’adat Shahr station, then proceed as above.
Pasargadae can be visited year-round, but the most comfortable seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are moderate, skies are clear, and the surrounding plains are lush.
Summer can be very hot, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F), while winter can bring cold winds and occasional rain. Morning visits are recommended to avoid midday heat and enjoy photography under soft natural light. The site’s plateau offers stunning sunrise and sunset views, adding to the experience.
Important Note: Avoid visiting during Nowruz (Iranian New Year) and on Cyrus the Great Day, as the site becomes extremely crowded due to local and international tourists, which can affect your experience.
