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Hamadan is one of the oldest cities in the world. It sits on high plain in the foothills of the 3580m high Alvand Mountain.
Renowned for its extensive historical heritage, Hamadan has witnessed the rise and fall of many regional powers over the centuries. It is mentioned in the cuneiform texts of Assyrian times. Herodotus said that this city was established ‘Medes’ and then became one of the most important cities of the Achaemenid Dynasty.
Hamadan is pleasantly cool in August but can be snowy and freezing cold during the December to March period. When spring arrives, the clear air means that impressive views of snowcapped Mount Alvand are commonplace; in the summer beautiful but hazy days are common.
Hegmataneh Ensemble (Ecbatana)
This was once the centre of the Median, later the Persian Empire. With its remains of ancient palaces and great temples it is likely to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ganjnameh
This ancient site includes two trilingual cuneiform inscriptions related to Achaemenid kings, Darius the Great and Xerxes.
Tomb of Esther and Mordecai
This world-famous Jewish shrine, a place of pilgrimage for many Jewish people, is surrounded by a charming garden.
Tomb of Ibn Sina
Ibn Sina, known in the west by his Latin name ‘Avicenna’, was a thinker and philosopher and one of the greatest medical scholars in human history. He lived and died in Hamedan.
Alavyan Tomb Tower
This is a supreme example of early Saljuq art with a fine selection of designs including whirling floral stucco.
