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Soltaniyeh Dome

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Dome of Soltaniyeh in the Zanjan province is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and a significant milestone in the development of monumental dome construction. Built between 1302 and 1312, it served as the mausoleum for the Ilkhanid ruler Oljaytu (Sultan Muhammad Khodabandeh). The octagonal structure is crowned by a massive double-shelled dome, standing 50 meters high and adorned with lively turquoise faience tiles. This architectural marvel is often cited as a precursor to later grand domes, such as Brunelleschi's Dome in Florence and the Taj Mahal in India. Its interior features elaborate stucco work, mosaics, and intricate calligraphy that demonstrate the high level of craftsmanship during the Ilkhanid period. The city of Soltaniyeh was briefly the capital of the Mongol Ilkhanate, and the dome remains the primary testament to its former glory. In 2005, UNESCO designated the Dome of Soltaniyeh a World Heritage site for its historical and architectural significance.

Location: Iran
Top sights: Chalapi Oghli Mausoleum · Soltaniyeh Dome · Mulla Hasan Kashi Tomb
Nearby: Masuleh (57 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-3	-1	4	9	14	19	20	20	17	12	4	-1
Rain mm	34	37	40	49	29	11	13	14	20	42	53	40

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Soltaniyeh Dome is open to visitors and can be visited inside, where the impressive dome structure is visible. The exterior area with surrounding ruins is also accessible.

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Typical hours

Opening hours typically follow Iranian winter and summer times, usually from 8:00 to 16:30. On public holidays the monument may be closed.

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Photography

Photography is allowed both indoors and outdoors, but without flash in the dome hall. Tripod shots are usually permitted as long as they do not obstruct other visitors.

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Time needed

For a thorough visit of the dome, mausoleum and surrounding ruins, visitors should allow about 1.5 to 2 hours. A short visit of just the dome hall takes about 30 minutes.

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Combine with

In Soltaniyeh you can also visit the Soltaniyeh Archaeological Museum, showing artefacts from the Ilkhanid period. The nearby city of Zanjan provides the historic Friday Mosque and a traditional bazaar.

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Getting there

Soltaniyeh lies about 240 km west of Tehran and is reachable by bus or car via highway. The dome is located in the town centre and can be reached on foot from the bus stop.

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Insider tip

An insider tip is to climb the inner staircase to the dome base for a unique view of the brick architecture. In the area there are small teahouses with traditional Iranian pastries.

Geography

Coordinates

36.43330, 48.79670

Facts

The dome's base diameter is 25 meters, and its total height is 48.5 meters.
It is the third-largest historical brick dome in the world after Florence and Istanbul.
The structure features eight minarets at its corners, though many are partially ruined.
Over 200 tons of vibrant blue tiles were used to cover the exterior of the dome.
The interior walls contain several layers of decoration, including brick and painted plaster.
UNESCO recognized the site as a World Heritage location in 2005.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Zanjan40 km · SEExplore →

Masuleh57 km · EExplore →

Khalkhal92 km · EExplore →

Bandar-e Anzali105 km · NEExplore →

Rasht107 km · NEExplore →

Hamadan124 km · WExplore →

Qazvin135 km · NExplore →

Hyrcanian Forests140 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Soltaniyeh Dome (3)

Chalapi Oghli Mausoleum 📍 landmark

A 14th-century tomb and monastery complex located near the famous dome.

Soltaniyeh Dome 📍 landmark

This UNESCO World Heritage site features one of the world's largest brick domes.

Mulla Hasan Kashi Tomb📍 landmark

A Safavid-era mausoleum with a distinctive turquoise-tiled dome.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about the Soltaniyeh Dome?

It is one of the world's largest brick domes and a precursor to the architecture of the Taj Mahal.

Where is Soltaniyeh located?

In Zanjan province, about 240 km west of Tehran on the main road to Tabriz.

Can you visit the interior of the dome?

Yes, visitors can enter the mausoleum and admire the fine faience and inscriptions.

How long does a visit take?

About 1 to 1.5 hours is sufficient to explore the monument and the immediate surrounding area.

Is there a museum on site?

There is a small exhibition inside the complex showing artifacts and explanations of the construction history.

Soltaniyeh Dome: where is it located?

Soltaniyeh Dome is located in Iran.

Soltaniyeh Dome: what is there to see?

Highlights include Chalapi Oghli Mausoleum, Soltaniyeh Dome, Mulla Hasan Kashi Tomb.

Soltaniyeh Dome: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Soltaniyeh Dome: why is it worth visiting?

The Dome of Soltaniyeh in the Zanjan province is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and a significant milestone in the development of monumental dome construction.

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