Ardabil

The city of Ardabil, as the capital of the province, is located at a distance of 639 kilometers from Tehran, west to the volcanic mountain of Sabalan. The weather of the province varies between extreme cold on the mountainous areas, to moderate on the plains. The name of Ardabil came from a Zoroastrian name of "Artavil" (mentioned in Avesta) which means a holy place. Some historians attribute the foundation of Ardabil to "Bazan Firuz". Archaeologists have recently found some historical vestiges in Nameen, a nearby town, which belong to the 12th-16th centuries BC. Some Orartoie inscriptions belonging to the 7th-9th centuries BC. were found in Arasbaran which reveals that civilized people lived in the region.

Main Townships: Ardabil, Bilehsavar, Khalkhall, Meshkin Shahr, etc. Main Attractions: Sabalan Mountains, Sheikh Safi Mausoleum, Tribes, etc.

Tombs, Ardabil

Amin-edin Jebrail

Located in the Kalkhoran Village in Ardabil, this mausoleum belongs to the ancestor of the Safavid Dynasty the father of Sheikh Safi-edin Essaq. The original mausoleum dates back to about 500 years ago. The simplicity of decorative and artistic work on the walls and the ceilings are very soothing for the visitors. The wooden door at the main entrance has artistic carvings that are quite valuable. This mosque was last renovated about 400 years ago.

Avazol khavas-ebne Firooz Shah Zarinkolah Tomb, Ardabil

This mausoleum is close to the Sheikh Jebrail Tomb in Kalkhoran Village. According to some narrations the buried personality is the forth ancestor of Sheikh.

Seyed Mohammad-ol-A'raby Tomb, Ardabil

This mausoleum is located in the northwestern part of the Sheikh Jebrail Mausoleum. The burried personality is the 15th ancestor of Sheikh Safi.

Sheikh Heydar Tomb, Meshkin Shahr

This mausoleum is an 18 m. cylindrical structure belonging to the late 7th or 9th century AH. The portal and façade of the building are delicately decorated with tile-work, brick-work, inscriptions with the sacred names etc.

Sheikh Safi-edin Ardabily Mausoleum, Ardabil

It is composed of a series of monuments built in various periods that was shaped as a complex for the first time by Shah Tahmasb. Later Shah Abbas added to the previous ones and renovated some sections. This historical complex is closely intertwined with the history of the Safavid Dynasty. Some of the Safavid kings as well as Shah Esmail I have been buried at this site. The main section of the mausoleum is composed of a circular tower with circumference of 22 m. which is about 17 meters high. In the interior of this monument, near Sheikh Safi's tomb, the tomb of his son (the founder of mausoleum) and those of other family members can be found.

At the time of Naseredin Shah Qajar, i.e., about 115 years ago, major renovations took place and some changes were made to the complex. This site has been a major attraction for domestic and international tourists.

Main sections of the complex are the followings: the gate, the large court, the small court, the graveyard court, Shahidgah (martyrdom place), Janat Sara Mosque and Cheleh Khaneh which encircles Qandil Khaneh, Haramkhaneh and Chini Khaneh. The Allah Allah Dome is very famous and probably the most spectacular part of the complex.

Altitudes and Summits, Ardabil

Sabalan Mountains, Ardabil

One of the most interesting mountains of Iran, with an altitude of about 4,800 m., is Sabalan which is originally a volcanic mountain. The summit is located 41 km. from Ardabil and can be easily observed while traveling on the road to Sar Ein and Ardabil. There is a lake on top of the Sabalan Mountain, which is a major attraction for professional hikers.

Forests and Plains, Ardabil

Ardabil Plain, Ardabil

Being about 900 square kilometers in area, this plain is covered with rich vegetation and has vast fertile agriculture lands. It is also used by Ardabilis for recreational purposes on weekends.

Moqan Plain, Ardabil

Encompassing an area of more than 300-350 thousand hectares, the Moqan plain is located to the north of Ardabil province and west of the Caspian Sea. Due to its mild winters and humid summers, it is considered as an important agricultural pole of Iran. Vast verdant farmlands and orchards as well as related industries have been established in this area which along with the tribal lifestyle of Shahsavans may attract many interested tourists.

Talesh Forests, Ardabil

With an area of 105 thousand hectars, these beautiful forests are still among the "untouched" forests of the Alborz Mountain Chain. Some of the various species of trees are oak and pine. The road connecting Ardabil to Rasht via Astara, passes by these forests which have been divided between ex-Soviet Union and Iran. This road is one of the most scenic roads while traveling in Iran, however caution must be taken as the road conditions are sometimes difficult at higher altitudes.

Springs, Ardabil

Asad Spring, Sar Ein, Ardabil

It is close to the Gol Ali Spring having very limpid water. Its temperature is 30° C with the water yeilding capacity of 1 liter/second. This spring annually attracts many tourists

Bilehdareh Spring, Sar Ein, Ardabil

Located 3 kilometers north of Sar Ein in a valley, this cold water mineral spring has several sources. Drinking its water is recommended for urological and gastric diseases.

Bushly Spring, Ardabil

It is located 45 kilometers west of Ardabil towards the city of Sarab. It contains CO2 with the temperature of 49° C as well as different mineral compounds effective in rheumatism and skin diseases.