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The most famous monument in the Zanjan province.
The oldest & Greatest brick double-shell dome in the world.
UNESCO listed Soltaniyeh as one of the World Heritage Sites in 2005.
The mausoleum of Oljaytu was constructed in 1302–12
Soltaniyeh is one of the outstanding examples of the achievements of Persian architecture and a key monument in the development of its Islamic architecture. The octagonal building is crowned with a 50 m tall 200 ton weight, 25m diameter dome, covered in turquoise-blue faience and surrounded by eight slender minarets.
It is the earliest existing example of the double-shelled dome in Iran.
The Dome of Soltaniyeh paved the way for more daring Iranian-style cupola constructions in muslim world, such as the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasavi and Taj Mahal.
A.U. Pope have described the building as ‘anticipating the Taj Mahal’.
Admission is IR4,000 (87/2008).
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: 30th km of Zanjan-Tehran route
This citadel which is also known as Cohan Dej is in the center of the city, comprising of a rampart & moat.
Citadel was rectangular and made of green slabs of stone with 16 towers and an extremely beautiful gateway.
At present, the rampart rises to 4 m. in height.
it has been determined the tower standing north west rises to a height of 40 feet and the width being 12 feet.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: Located beside of Dome
Soltaniyeh situated in the Zanjan Province of Iran, some 240 km to the north-west from Tehran, used to be the capital of Ilkhanid rulers of Persia in the 14th century. Its name translates as "the Imperial". In 2005, UNESCO listed Soltaniyeh as one of the World Heritage Sites.
The central magnet of Soltaniyeh's several ruins is the Mausoleum of Il-khan Öljeitü, traditionally known as the Dome of Soltaniyeh. The structure, erected from 1302 until 1312, boasts the oldest double-shell dome in the world. Its importance in the Muslim world may be compared to that of Brunelleschi's cupola for the Christian architecture. The Dome of Soltaniyeh paved the way for more daring Iranian-style cupola constructions in muslim world, such as the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasavi and Taj Mahal. Much of exterior decoration has been lost, but the interior retains superb mosaics, faience, and murals. Pope have described the building as “anticipating the Taj Mahal.”
The estimated 200 ton dome stands 49 meters (161 ft) tall from its base, and is currently undergoing extensive renovation.
See more pics of resoration. Be sure you go up to higher level via a staircase. Ask if you can't find it. The upper terrace gives you a perfectly view of the surrounding. Take note of a blue dome in a distance. Admission is IR4,000 (May 2008). It is a perfectly short half day trip from Zanjan.
Updated Jul 24, 2008
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Reviews and photos of Soltaniyeh attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Soltaniyeh sightseeing.
Soltaniyeh situated in the Zanjan Province of Iran, some 240 km to the north-west from Tehran, used to be the capital of Ilkhanid rulers of Persia in the 14th...
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It is a great building, but so far away, my taxi driver stayed 5 hours in the highway from Teheran to get there....World Heritage site of Unesco...
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Gonbad E Soltaniyeh - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Soltaniyeh situated in the Zanjan Province of Iran, some 240 km to the north-west from Tehran, used to be the capital of Ilkhanid rulers of Persia in the 14th century. Its name translates as "the...
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Dome of Soltaniyeh, Oldest & Greatest one in World
Soltaniyeh is situated at 30th km of Zanjan-Tehran route & some 240 km to the north-west from Tehran. Its name translates as "the Imperial".
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