Plizio Visual Lab
Tomb of Cyrus the Great
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
monument
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Tomb of Cyrus at Pasargadae is a simple yet architecturally impressive construction representing the eternal resting place of Cyrus the Great, the pioneer and founder of the powerful Achaemenid Empire. Built from massive blocks of white limestone, the monument features a mortuary chamber with a pitched roof, raised on an imposing pyramidal base consisting of six steps, reminiscent of the structure of Mesopotamian ziggurats. Although modest in size compared to the pyramids, in antiquity it was an extremely respected shrine. Alexander the Great, during the conquest of Persia in 330 BC, ordered its restoration, overwhelmed with admiration for the deceased leader. The tomb has remarkably survived military invasions and natural disasters across millennia.
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 5 | 9 | 14 | 21 | 26 | 28 | 27 | 23 | 18 | 10 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 47 | 38 | 38 | 26 | 8 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 35 | 42 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Tomb of Cyrus the Great is a free-standing monument in the Pasargadae plain and can be circled from all sides. There are no interiors to visit; the entire area is an archaeological park with access to other ruins.
Typical hours
The Pasargadae archaeological site is typically open daily from 8:00 to 17:00, though exact times may vary by season. Arriving early is recommended to avoid crowds and midday heat.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the park, but tripod use may require permission. The best light at the tomb is early morning or late afternoon, when the sun illuminates the monument warmly.
Time needed
For the Tomb of Cyrus and the surrounding Pasargadae complex, plan at least two to three hours. The site includes several palace ruins and the Zendan-e Soleiman, all within walking distance.
Combine with
Combine the visit with nearby Persepolis, only about 80 kilometers to the south, the heart of the Achaemenid Empire. The rock tombs of Naqsh-e Rustam are also near Persepolis and are a worthwhile addition.
Getting there
The Tomb of Cyrus is near the city of Pasargadae, about 130 kilometers northeast of Shiraz. The best way to get there is by rental car or taxi; there is no direct public transport.
Insider tip
Visit the tomb in the late afternoon, when the light highlights the monument's simple beauty and the sky background becomes dramatic. Take your time to enjoy the surrounding landscape and the peace of the plain.
Geography
Facts
- The mausoleum was built in the 6th century BC for the leader Cyrus the Great
- The monumental limestone structure rises to approximately 11 meters
- The base consists of exactly six colossal stone steps
- Alexander the Great visited and spared the monument in the year 330 BC
- The lowest step of the pedestal measures approximately 13 by 12 meters
- In the past, an ancient Persian inscription adorned the tomb, but today it is lost
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Tomb of Cyrus the Great (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Tomb of Cyrus?
The simple but dignified stepped tomb of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire.
Are you allowed to go inside the tomb?
No, the interior of the burial chamber is not accessible to the public; it can only be viewed from the outside.
Are there explanations in English?
Yes, there are information boards in Persian and English throughout the Pasargadae site.
Is the terrain suitable for wheelchair users?
The paths to the tomb are relatively flat and paved, which facilitates access.
What is the dress code?
Usual Iranian rules apply: women with headscarf and long, loose clothing, men with long trousers.
Tomb of Cyrus the Great: where is it located?
Tomb of Cyrus the Great is located in Iran.
Tomb of Cyrus the Great: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
Tomb of Cyrus the Great: why is it worth visiting?
The Tomb of Cyrus at Pasargadae is a simple yet architecturally impressive construction representing the eternal resting place of Cyrus the Great, the pioneer and founder of the powerful Achaemenid Empire.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Iran →
More places
Pasargadae
The first dynastic capital of the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great.
Persepolis
The ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Darius I.
Naqsh-e Rustam
An ancient Persian necropolis featuring monumental rock-cut tombs of Achaemenid kings.
Naqsh-e Jahan Square
One of the largest city squares in the world, surrounded by Safavid architectural wonders.
Jameh Mosque of Isfahan
A stunning mosque complex reflecting over 1,200 years of Persian architectural history.
Fin Garden
A historical Persian garden in Kashan, demonstrating the perfect interplay between nature and architecture.
Golestan Palace
A masterpiece of the Qajar era in Tehran, combining Persian crafts with Western architecture.
Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System
A complex and masterful ancient irrigation system from the Sassanid era.