Historical landmarks and architecture of Qasr-e Shirin
Qasr-e Shirin is a city in the western part of Kermanshah Province, near the border between Iran and Iraq. Notable for both historic landmarks and towering palm groves, this picturesque locale bears its name from the renowned historical palace commissioned by Khosrow Parviz —one of ancient Persia’s monarchs — for his spouse, Shirin.
Despite references to this city in diverse historical records as Dastjerd and Dastgerd, its prominence primarily stems from Khosrow Palace, famously referred to as Qasr-e Shirin and Khosrow Parviz’s estate.
The remnants of Khosrow Palace, visible today, constitute a notable attraction in Qasr-e Shirin and lie approximately 180 kilometers northeast of the provincial capital city of Kermanshah.
The is among the structures erected in Kermanshah during the Sassanid period under the directive of Khosrow Parviz.
Also known as Khosrow II, he reigned from 590 to 628 CE, and is acknowledged as the 24th Sassanid monarch. Scholars suggest that the construction of numerous palaces in Kermanshah was influenced by his inclination to reside in this area rather than Ctesiphon. Interestingly, it appears that this palace was not utilized as a permanent residence.
It seems that owing to hasty construction, essential structural reinforcement was overlooked, causing the palace to fall into disuse shortly thereafter. Within the complex, vestiges of prior edifices consist of a handful of stone walls and fractured pillars. Paleontological evidence derived from plant root and animal fossils implies that the pyramidal form of the described palace may have previously functioned as an early zoological garden, per historians.
The remnants of Khosrow Palace reveal that this architectural marvel measured 370 meters in length and 190 meters in width. Designed with a rectangular layout, the palace was constructed from east to west, adjacent to a terraced wall standing at a height of eight meters. The construction materials employed in this edifice comprised limestone, brick, and plaster.
The layout of the palace appears to have been divided into internal and external sections to maintain a distinction between private and public areas.
The exterior part, designated for formal events, featured a columned hall, vaulted chamber, reception room, and ivan (portico). Notably, the grandest dome of the Sassanid era stood here until the 18th century CE. Access to the palace’s general vicinity was facilitated by dual staircases on the northern, southern, and eastern facades. The internal, private segment of the palace once comprised various residences, both small and large, all of which have since vanished.
Nearby attraction
Chahar Qapi Fire Temple is regarded as one of the most significant historical sites in Qasr-e Shirin. Initially, many archaeologists thought this structure belonged to the Islamic period due to its dome and vaulted façade, common features in post-Islamic architectural monuments. The history of this precious edifice, recognized as a national heritage of Iran, traces back to the late Sassanid era.
Abbasid Caravanserai: The Abbasid Caravanserai in Qasr-e Shirin, dating back to the Safavid era, is a registered tourist attraction on the National Heritage List.
Throughout history, this caravanserai served as a crucial lodging for pilgrims journeying to the holy shrines of Iraq. Regrettably, the earthquake that struck Kermanshah Province in November 2017 caused substantial damage to this structure, resulting in a decline in its safety.