Taq-e Bostan
Taq-e Bostan preserves Sasanian rock-cut arches and reliefs. Its royal investiture and hunting scenes are major records of court art in late-antique Iran.
Western Iran · Zagros
Kermanshah
Royal histories carved into rock
On the historic route between the Iranian Plateau and Mesopotamia, Kermanshah presents two major chapters of ancient Iran: Darius’s relief and inscription at Bisotun, and the Sasanian carvings of Taq-e Bostan. The city’s bazaar and tekyehs reveal later architecture.
To the west, Hawraman’s cultural landscape unfolds in stepped villages and terraced gardens. Zagros springs and caves, local music and bazaar sweets extend a visit beyond the monuments into everyday culture.
Province highlights
Kermanshah at a Glance
- Capital
- Kermanshah
- Region
- Western Iran · Zagros
- Best season
- Spring & autumn
- Suggested stay
- 2–3 days for Kermanshah city; 4–6 days to explore the province
- Best for
- History · Architecture · Nature · Music · Food
- Main access
- Airport · Rail · Road
05
5 essential places
Bisotun
Bisotun is renowned for the trilingual inscription and relief of Darius I. This UNESCO World Heritage site is fundamental to the study of Achaemenid history and ancient languages.
Moaven al-Molk Tekyeh
Tekyeh Moaven al-Molk is one of Kermanshah’s finest Qajar ceremonial buildings. Relief and seven-colour tiles place religious narratives beside Persian kings and imagery inspired by Persepolis. Its three sections—Hosseiniyeh, Abbasieh and Zeinabieh—also house museums of ethnography, dress and jewellery.
Quri Qaleh Cave
At the foot of Mount Shahu, Quri Qala is a water cave of broad limestone chambers and passages deep within the Zagros. A consistently cool temperature, stalactites and stalagmites, and halls known by local names make the visit a distinctive encounter with western Iran’s underground landscape.
Piran Waterfall
Piran Waterfall descends in several stages from the high cliffs of the Rijab mountains. Orchards below and the vertical Zagros walls emphasise the long drop of the water.
More about Kermanshah
Important Cities
- Kermanshah — Taq-e Bostan and bazaar
- Kangavar — Anahita Temple
- Paveh
- Sarpol Zahab
- Ravansar
Food & Souvenirs
Local food
- Dandeh Kebab
- Khoresht Khalal — almond stew
- Ash-e Abbas Ali
Souvenirs & crafts
- Nan Berenji and Kaak sweets
- Kilims
- Giveh and Klash shoes
- Traditional musical instruments
Culture & Arts
Kurdish music and dance are part of Kermanshah’s cultural life. Instrument making, including the tanbur, and traditional clothing offer ways to encounter the region’s living arts alongside its bazaars.
UNESCO & Heritage
Selected UNESCO World Heritage properties
- Bisotun — 2006
- Cultural Landscape of Hawraman/Uramanat — 2021; shared with Kurdistan
Other historic places
Other historic sights include Taq-e Bostan, Moaven al-Molk Tekyeh and Anahita Temple.
Selected Universities
- Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences
