Soltanieh Dome
Soltanieh Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a testament to the remarkable achievements of Persian architecture. The colossal dome of this mausoleum is a monumental feat and the first example of double-shelled domes in Iran.
History
Constructed between 1302 and 1312 in the city of Soltanieh, the former capital of the Ilkhanate dynasty, the mausoleum of Oljaytu is a gem of architectural history.
Description
Situated in Soltanieh, near Zanjan in north-western Iran, the astonishing mausoleum of Oljaytu, known as the Soltanieh Dome, is a jewel of Persian architecture and holds the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage designation. This monumental dome enshrines Oljaytu, a ruler of the Ilkhanate dynasty who, after converting to Shia Islam, adopted the name Mohammad Khodabandeh. The dome, an octagonal wonder, soars to a towering 50 meters and is adorned with exquisite turquoise-blue faience. It is surrounded by eight graceful minarets. The Soltanieh Dome is renowned for its architectural brilliance during the Ilkhanate period, especially for its innovative double-shelled dome and intricate interior decoration. This monument marked the inception of a series of architectural wonders across central and western Asia in subsequent eras, including the Seljuk and Timurid periods, known for their double-layered domes, innovative materials, and intricate thematic designs. The Ilkhanate era remains celebrated for its brilliant innovations in structural engineering, spatial proportions, architectural forms, and decorative patterns and techniques.
Visitors are greeted within the dome’s interior with a breathtaking array of artistic elements, featuring glazed tiles, intricate brickwork, marquetry designs inlaid with materials, stucco, and frescoes. This interior design represents a significant shift towards more elaborate materials and themes. A harmonious blend of colors and geometric patterns graces the interior, captivating visitors with meticulous and stunning details. Notably, the Soltanieh Dome boasts remarkable wooden decorations.
Spiral staircases within the building’s thick walls lead to airy terraces offering stunning views, adorned with vaulted ceilings and exquisite mosaics. An ingenious sundial graces the dome; at noon, sunlight enters through an aperture in the main dome, with larger windows serving as the hour hand and smaller windows indicating the minutes.
Visiting Hours
To savor the beauty of the monumental Soltanieh Dome, located 44 kilometers from Zanjan, visitors are welcome from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., extending until 18:30 on Fridays. The best time to explore the Soltanieh Dome and its surroundings is during the pleasant seasons of spring and summer when the weather is most agreeable.
