The Shir-e Sangi, or Stone Lion, is one of Hamadan’s most enduring historical monuments. Its exact origins remain debated among scholars:
Some attribute it to the Median era (7th–6th century BCE).
Others suggest it dates to the Parthian period (247 BCE–224 CE) based on stylistic features and archaeological context.
A few theories even propose that Alexander the Great may have commissioned the statue following a victorious campaign in the region.
Regardless of its precise origin, Shir-e Sangi stands as a powerful testament to Hamadan’s ancient cultural and political significance.
Believed to be over 2,300 years old, the surviving stone lion measures approximately 5.2 meters in length and 1 meter in width. Originally, a pair of lions flanked the entrance to the ancient city, but only this one remains today.
Carved from a single block of stone, the statue conveys both majesty and the silent strength of antiquity. Though weathered over centuries, Shir-e Sangi continues to evoke the grandeur of ancient Hamadan and serves as a symbol of the city’s enduring identity.
The lion’s worn surface invites reflection: some visitors are captivated by its stoic presence and mysterious past, while others appreciate it as an iconic artifact of Iranian heritage.
Shir-e Sangi is located in a public square in central Hamadan and is freely accessible at any time. There are no fixed visiting hours, allowing visitors to explore and photograph the monument at their leisure.
For detailed dimensions, restoration information, and historical context, see the IMNA article: Survived Shir-e Sangi in the Old City of Hamadan.
