Address: western outskirts of Isfahan, near intersection of Amir Kabir Road with Atashgah Avenue
Timings: 830am to 5pm
Tickets: IRR 2000

Located on a hilly mound outside the city, the Atashkadeh is a fire temple that dates back to the Sassanian era. Seen from a distance, as you approach it from the east on Atashgah Avenue, it bears a striking resemblance to the Greek Acropolis at Athens. The very mythical, iconic appearance of such temple complexes is what appeals most to tourists looking for an insight into cultural history.

As you arrive, you will notice that not much remains today of the once mighty Zoroastrian temple. The mud bricks that held it up high over the surrounding lands hundreds of years ago have started giving way.

To get to the very top of the hill you will have to negotiate your own path – there is no clear marked route to the temple, so make sure you have a local or guide with you when you ascend. The ten minutes or so that you spend scrambling around the hilly dune, groping a rock here, holding onto a precipice there, will pay off as soon as you haul yourself onto the topmost level – the stunning view towards the city and the suburbs from the circular temple at the top is what will involuntarily make you pull out your tripod and SLR camera and start shooting away.