Taq-e Bostan

Taq-e Bostan is a complex of Sasanian rock reliefs at the foot of the Zagros on the northern edge of Kermanshah, carved between the fourth and seventh centuries beside the outlet of a powerful spring. The spring water collects in a rectangular pool right in front of the cliff, and the reliefs are reflected in it. The larger of the two grottoes is attributed to Khosrow II: the scene of his investiture is cut deep inside the arch, below it stands the mounted figure of a heavily armoured horseman in full armour, and along the side walls unfold scenes of the royal hunt for boar and deer, with boats, elephants and musicians. The smaller grotto holds figures of Shapur II and Shapur III with inscriptions. A separate panel by the cliff shows the investiture of Ardashir II, where the god Mithra with a radiant halo stands beside the king and a defeated enemy lies underfoot. The site was not chosen by chance: the road linking the Mesopotamian plain with the Iranian plateau ran through here.

The reliefs are carved at the outlet of the spring on the northern edge of the city; entry to the fenced grounds is charged, and a park has been laid out around the pool where locals come to relax in the evening. The best light on the grottoes is in the second half of the day. Allow about an hour for a visit. Cash only.

Address

خیابان امام زاده, Kermanshah

On the map