The Soltanieh Dome, located 40 Kilometers southeast of the city of Zanjan, is one of the most impressive historical landmarks in Iran and a proud UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the early 1300s as the mausoleum of Sultan Öljaitü, this magnificent structure is famous for its huge turquoise-blue dome, standing almost 49 meters tall — one of the largest brick domes in the world.
The monument beautifully reflects the artistic achievements of the Ilkhanid era, combining elegant Persian design, detailed tilework, and remarkable engineering. Over the centuries, the Soltanieh Dome has inspired many great buildings, even influencing masterpieces like the Taj Mahal.
Visiting Soltanieh offers travelers a chance to step back in time and admire one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in Iran.
The Soltanieh Dome is located about 40 km southeast of Zanjan and roughly 290 km from Tehran, making it accessible by air, road, or train.
By Air
While Zanjan has a small domestic airport, flight availability is limited and schedules are not always regular. For this reason, most travelers prefer to fly into Tehran Mehrabad Airport or Tabriz International Airport, both of which offer frequent domestic and international flights. From Tehran, the drive to Soltanieh takes about 4 to 5 hours, and from Tabriz, around 3 hours, following well-maintained highways.
By Road
Traveling by road is the easiest and most popular way to reach Soltanieh. The site lies just off the Tehran–Tabriz Highway (Route 2). From Zanjan City, it’s about a 40-minute drive by car or taxi. Comfortable long-distance buses also run daily between Tehran, Tabriz, and Zanjan, making the trip affordable and convenient. Once in Zanjan, local taxis or guided tours can take you directly to the dome.
By Train
Zanjan is an important stop on the Tehran–Tabriz railway line, with several daily services connecting the two major cities. The train ride from Tehran to Zanjan takes around 4 hours. After arriving at the Zanjan Railway Station, travelers can hire a taxi to reach Soltanieh in under an hour. The train route is scenic, offering beautiful views of Iran’s mountainous landscapes.
The best time to visit the Soltanieh Dome is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather in Zanjan Province is mild, pleasant, and perfect for sightseeing. During these months, the surrounding landscapes are green, and the clear skies make it easy to appreciate the dome’s turquoise brilliance.
Summers in Soltanieh, especially from July to mid-September, can be warm and dry, though still suitable for travel if you plan your visit in the early morning or late afternoon. Winters, on the other hand, can be quite cold and snowy, which gives the site a unique atmosphere but may not be ideal for outdoor exploration.
If you wish to avoid crowds and enjoy a calm experience, plan your trip on weekdays or outside of national holidays, when local visitors are fewer, and you can fully take in the peaceful charm of this historic masterpiece.
