Taq-e Bostan

Taq-e Bostan is a group of Sassanid rock carvings cut into a cliff at the foot of a mountain beside a spring-fed pool on the edge of Kermanshah, dating from the fourth to the seventh century. There are two carved grottoes and several open reliefs. The larger grotto holds an investiture scene with Khosrow II, a colossal armoured horseman below it, and on the side walls two large hunting panels, a boar hunt in marshes with elephants driving the animals and boats of musicians, and a deer hunt, both crowded with figures and among the most detailed narrative reliefs from ancient Iran. The pool and trees in front make it a public park as much as a monument, and Kermanshah families use it in the evening.

What you actually see

• The boar hunt relief - marsh scene with elephants, boats and musicians.
• The armoured horseman - a colossal mounted figure in the large grotto.
• Investiture scenes - Sassanid kings receiving the ring of power.
• The spring pool - water and trees in front of the cliff.

When to go

April to June and September to October. One to two hours. Mornings for light into the grottoes; evenings for the local park atmosphere. Nowruz fills it completely.

Honest expectations

The grottoes are behind railings and cannot be entered, so detail is seen at a distance. The park setting is pleasant but crowded and commercialised with stalls. Lighting inside the grottoes is poor. There is limited interpretation.

Nearby

Bisotun is east on the Hamadan road; Kermanshah city is south.