TEHRAN – Persepolis, the ancient capital of the Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BC), was the most-visited place during Noruz holidays (March 20-April 1) among 19 historic sites in Iran registered on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage.

Persepolis, also known as Takht-e Jamshid, was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It is situated 60 kilometers northeast of the southern city of Shiraz in Fars Province.

During March 20-31, 456,486 visitors paid visits to the Persepolis, Farhad Azizi, an official with Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicraft Organization said in a press release.

“Persepolis ranks first in the list. Shiraz’s Eram Garden, Tehran’s Golestan Palace, Shiraz’s Pasargadae, Isfahan’s Chehel Sotun Garden, and Susa come next in the ranking,” he said.