Palace of Ardashir

The Palace of Ardashir is a Sasanian-era royal palace near Firuzabad in Fars province, Iran, constructed under King Ardashir I in the early 3rd century AD. It is an important surviving example of early Sasanian monumental architecture.

Visitors encounter massive vaulted and domed stone-and-mortar chambers, the remains of a central audience hall, and extensive masonry that illustrates Sasanian techniques for vaulting and dome construction. The layout and scale mark it as a ceremonial and residential complex rather than a simple fortress.

The palace was commissioned by Ardashir I, founder of the Sasanian dynasty, as part of his new royal installations in the region and was used as a royal and administrative residence. Over the centuries the complex fell into ruin but its core structural forms remain visible and have been studied as key examples of Sasanian design.

The site lies close to the modern city of Firuzabad in Fars province, southern Iran, within the general region where Ardashir established his early power base after overthrowing the Parthian realm.

• Date: Construction dates to the early Sasanian period under King Ardashir I in the early 3rd century.

What to See #

• Main domed hall: The palace's principal element is a large domed audience hall and adjoining vaulted chambers characteristic of Sasanian royal architecture.