Apadana Palace: A Masterpiece of Achaemenid Architecture
Apadana Palace, with its grand columns and regal statues, showcases the glory of the Achaemenid Empire. Standing proud in Persepolis, it whispers of kings, ancient ceremonies, and Persia’s timeless elegance.
The Apadana Palace, the most ancient and arguably the most magnificent structure at Persepolis, stands as a testament to the grandeur and sophistication of the Achaemenid Empire. Construction of this grand hall began under the reign of Darius the Great around 515 BCE and was completed by his son Xerxes I approximately 30 years later.
Covering an impressive area of 3,660 square meters, the Apadana is centered around a grand hypostyle hall supported by 36 towering columns. The hall is flanked by three porches, each with 12 columns, and four towers at the corners. A series of guard rooms is located to the south of the main hall.
Elevated approximately 3 meters above the surrounding courtyard, the palace was accessed via double wooden doors adorned with precious metals. The walls were decorated with colorful bricks, creating a visually stunning interior.
