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Apadana (Darius) Palace, Shoosh This palace was constructed by the order of Darius the Achaemenian on the top of Elamit hillocks and is known as Darius (Apadana) Palace. The walls of the palace are made of sun baked bricks with a brick worked facade, and the pillars are of stone. Apadana Palace consists of a pavilion, haramsara (a section for court ladies), gateway, entertainment hall and three central courtyards. The internal walls of the palace are adorned with engraved glazed bricks depicting the winged-lion guard soldiers and adorned by lotus flowers, the remnants of which are on display in local museums and those in abroad. A major portion of this palace caught on fire during the reign of Ardeshir I, (461 B.C.), and finally during the conquests of Alexander, the said palace along with other Achaemenian palaces were completely ruined. Ivan-e-Karkheh Palace, Shoosh This is a monument from the Sassanid period and is located 20 km. northwest of the ruined city of Shoosh. It is known as 'Kut Karkheh' or Ivan-e-Kharkheh Palace. A colossal rampart encloses the palace, and on each side there are entrances at regular intervals. To the east of the area, there is a ruined structure out of which only an arched ceiling made of brick has been remained. Previously it was supposed to be a spectacular glorious hall used for formal ceremonies of the court of Sassanid monarchs. Sefeh-ye Sar Masjed, Masjed Soleiman On the top of a hillock over looking a locality named "Sar Masjed", relics of a palace or temple has remained which dates back to the 7th century B.C. Irregular polished rock stones, broken round pillars as well as arched ceilings are scattered in this area. Shaoor (Ardeshir) Palace, Shoosh The remnants of this palace are situated along the western banks of the Shaoor River, opposite the mausoleum of the Prophet Danial (P.B.U.H). This palace has a square shaped hall with lateral installations. The columns or pillars are made of stone, and its walls are of sun baked bricks. This palace was constructed during the reign of Ardeshir II, and was used as his residential palace as well as a seat of power. |
