Fars
Bishapur
Die Siegesstadt von Shapur I., in der Roms Niederlage in Stein gemeißelt ist
8 Highlights · tippen Sie auf einen PunktBishapur ist eine Ruinenstadt der Sassaniden, 266 n. Chr. von Shapur I. nahe dem heutigen Kazerun in Fars gegründet und nach römisch beeinflusstem Rastermuster angelegt – Berichten zufolge errichtet mit der Arbeitskraft römischer Gefangener, die nach der Niederlage Kaiser Valerians in Gefangenschaft geraten waren. Die erhaltenen Bauwerke – der unterirdische Anahita-Tempel, die kreuzförmige Zeremonienhalle, der mosaikbelegte Eyvan und der sogenannte Valerian-Palast – liegen an der Schlucht Tang-e Chogan, wo Felsreliefs und eine kolossale Statue Shapurs die Macht der Sassaniden über Rom in Szene setzen. Gemeinsam mit der nahegelegenen Shapur-Höhle gehört die Stadt zur UNESCO-Welterbestätte „Sassanidische archäologische Landschaft der Region Fars“. Ruhiger als Persepolis und rund zwei Stunden von Shiraz entfernt, belohnt sie Reisende, die monumentales sassanidisches Erbe ohne Menschenmengen erleben möchten.
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Top-Sehenswürdigkeiten
- 1
Temple of Anahita
Subterranean water temple dedicated to the goddess Anahita. An almost square (~14m) chamber built several meters below ground so that channeled river water could flow silently around a processional walkway — a masterful Sassanid hydraulic and ritual space dedicated to the deity of waters, fertility and wisdom.
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Tang-e Chogan Reliefs
Gorge with six Sassanid rock reliefs along the Shapur River. Six monumental bas-reliefs carved into the gorge walls celebrate Sassanid kingship — among them Shapur I's triumph over Rome and the submission of Emperor Valerian, plus investiture and victory scenes of Bahram I, Bahram II and Shapur II. The name 'Chogan' references royal polo played here.
- 3
Shapur Cave & Colossal Statue of Shapur I
Limestone cave holding a ~7m carved statue of Shapur I. A monumental ~7-meter statue of Shapur I carved from a single stalagmite stands in the mouth of a large limestone cave high in the Zagros, about 6 km from the city; it is one of the largest surviving statues of the ancient world and a separately inscribed UNESCO component.
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Ceremonial Hall (Cruciform Hall)
Cross-shaped Sassanid royal hall, once richly decorated. A large cruciform hall (Iranian cross plan) within the citadel, reported around 23m high and once lavishly stuccoed; one of the city's grandest interior spaces and a key example of Sassanid monumental architecture.
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Eyvan-e Mosaic (Mosaic Portico)
Residence/portico famed for Roman-style floor mosaics. A grand iwan and courtyard whose floors carried figural mosaics in a Roman-influenced style (banqueters, dancers, musicians) — vivid evidence of Roman craftsmen at Bishapur; many panels are now in museums (notably the Louvre and the National Museum of Iran).
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Valerian Palace
Palatial structure near the Anahita temple, of debated identity. A palace-like building close to the temple, popularly named for Emperor Valerian; its plan echoes the Anahita temple and it remains partly enigmatic to scholars, adding to the site's Roman-defeat narrative.
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Commemorative Columns of Bishapur
Pair of tall votive/commemorative columns near the city. Two tall columns (one inscribed) set on the open ground commemorate the city's foundation under Shapur I and once likely supported royal statuary — a striking standing landmark of the ancient cityscape.
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City Walls, Grid Streets & Gates
Remains of the gridded fortified city and its four gates. Bishapur's Hippodamian grid (two intersecting main avenues, rectangular blocks) and fortification walls with four named gates (Hormoz, Mehr, Bahram, Shahr) make it one of the best examples of a planned Sassanid city; population is estimated in the tens of thousands.
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Bishapur Museum / Site Museum
Small museum displaying finds from the excavations. Holds artifacts recovered from Bishapur and the surrounding area, helping interpret the ruins (pottery, stucco, mosaic fragments and Sassanid objects).