It is located in a rocky mountain near Chatin Valley and Qara-Qyeh Village. Ceramic and earthenware objects found from this site belong to the 1st millennium B.C.
Back to top

On the eastern slope of the Baq Nowruz Valley in Meshkin Shahr, there is a castle by the river and there is an inscription with Pahlavi script belonging to the Sassanid period. It's probable that this castle has been built replacing the ancient Sassanid castle as mentioned in an inscription.

This castle is located 500 m. from the Ultan Village in Pars Abad. Its antiquity dates back to the Parthian period and due to its firm structure it was used until 12th century A.H.

Located in the Kalkhoran Village in Ardabil, this mausoleum belongs to the ancestor of the Safavid Dynasty the father of Sheikh Safi-edin Essaq. The original mausoleum dates back to about 500 years ago. The simplicity of decorative and artistic work on the walls and the ceilings are very soothing for the visitors. The wooden door at the main entrance has artistic carvings that are quite valuable. This mosque was last renovated about 400 years ago.

This mausoleum is an 18 m. cylindrical structure belonging to the late 7th or 9th century A.H. The portal and faade of the building are delicately decorated with tile-work, brick-work, inscriptions with the sacred names etc.

It is composed of a series of monuments built in various periods that was shaped as a complex for the first time by Shah Tahmasb. Later Shah Abbas added to the previous ones and renovated some sections. This historical complex is closely intertwined with the history of the Safavid Dynasty. Some of the Safavid kings as well as Shah Esmail I have been buried at this site. The main section of the mausoleum is composed of a circular tower with circumference of 22 m which is about 17

meters high. In the interior of this monument ,near Sheikh Safi's tomb, the tomb of his son (the founder of mausoleum) and those of other family members can be found.
At the time of Naseredin Shah Qajar, i.e., about 115 years ago, major renovations took place and some changes were made to the complex. This site has been a major attraction for domestic and international tourists.
Main sections of the complex are the followings: the gate, the large court, the small court, the graveyard court, Shahidgah (martyrdom place), Janat Sara Mosque and Cheleh Khaneh which encircles Qandil Khaneh, Haramkhaneh and Chini Khaneh. The Allah Allah Dome is very famous and probably the most spectacular part of the complex.
Back to top

This hill is found in the southwest of Aslandooz in Moqan. This is where Nader Shah's coronation ceremony was held about 300 years ago. It is about 30 m. high with a contour of about 1500 meters. This hill used to be a residential site from 1000 B.C. to about 400 years ago.
Back to top

It is located in the Kouraim Village, and the tombs in this vicinity belong to 700-800 years B.C. These tombs are classified as elite, commons, and animals.
Back to top

Other archaeological hills of the province are scattered all around the province like Onar in Meshkin Shahr, Sa'een in Sa'een village, Shams Abad in a village with the same name, etc.

This seven-arched bridge has been constructed on the Baliqly Chay River, belonging to the Safavid period. Its piles are made of stone with zigzag barrel-arches are made of brick. The construction materials are gypsum and mortar.
Back to top

The bridge is constructed over the Kalkhoran River and it has three arches with supports made of stone and walls made of brick. The antiquity of this bridge dates back to the Safavid time.
Back to top

This bridge has been constructed over the Baliqly Chay River. The bridge has seven arches and is a remnant of the Safavid period. It's been renovated about 90 years ago.
Back to top

This old bridge has been built over Qarah Soo River, 15 km. from Ardabil. The antiquity of the bridge dates back to the Safavid period. The construction materials are stone and brick. There are four towers or minarets in its four corners for guiding the travelers at night or during bad weather conditions.
Back to top

It is located in Ali Qapoo Alley in the city of Ardabil. Its entrance is simple but beautifully decorated and has a globular dome. It has different parts with eye-catching adornments. There are two large alcoves inside the bath. It is estimated that the bath is 300 years old.
Back to top

This bath is located in Sarcheshmeh locality in Ardabil. Its vestibule and entrance have been changed but the rest of the parts have preserved their old style with cloak room and other segments.
Back to top

This bath is located in a locality with the same name. Its cloak room is quadripartite with a small dome. There is a platform between the cloak room and the inside of the bath, for temperature control in these two parts. It is very well decorated with paintings and other adornments.
Back to top

This bath has a simple entrance door and corridor. But the cloak room has preserved its old shape. This bath has several platforms, an alcove, stone-floor, and an octagonal pool with four stony arms that ends to the cloak room by a small step. There are several old paintings on the wall around the bath.
Back to top

This bath is located in the Uchdokan locality. Its vestibule is a hexagonal area with six mantels. There is a wide cloak room with low depth. The bath is well decorated in accordance with eye-catching local arts worth mentioning.
Back to top

Other old public baths in Ardabil have conserved their unique traditional architecture more or less. Sometimes they are ornamented with paintings and other innovations. Some of these public baths are worth visiting as they represent veritable historical attractions. They are named as: Molla Hadi Bath in Molla Hadi Alley (Ardabil); Safavieh Bath in Nayebi Street (Ardabil); Ebrahim Abad Bath in Ebrahim Abad Alley; Zeinal and Mansoorieh Baths in Ali Qapoo; Ya'qoobieh Bath in Ouchdakan locality; Vakil Bath in Imam Khomeini Avenue; Yasavol bath in Ounchi Meydan; Zendan Bath in Zendan Alley; Aqanqi and Mirza Iman baths which are similar to the Haj Sheikh Bath.
Back to top

In the heart of the Ardabil city, this bazaar stands as old as the Islamic period. Its shape was described by the historians of 4th century A.H. as a cross, extending in four directions with simply designed domes. Most sections of the bazaar have been constructed and renovated during the Safavid and Zand periods.

This tower is located in Somi'eh Village, 8.5 km. from This tower is located in Somi'eh Village, 8.5 km. from Ardabil. It is surrounded by open green space. Although heavily damaged, its architectural design probably belongs to about the 8th century A.H.
Back to top

It is located in the Ouchdokan locality, and Sartip Abad Alley in the city of Ardabil. This house is known for its artistic and decorative designs.
Back to top

This majestic house (1,750 square meters) has been built in a land with an area of 1,450 square meters. At present it is in good condition, although it is not used for residential purposes.
Back to top

This house, located in the Shahidgah Alley, and is still inhabited. On the walls, there is an inscription on which some poetry and Arabic verses from Holy Qoran can be seen.

This edifice despite its artistic and historical value, is being destroyed because of lack of attention. Its historical background is intertwined with that of the city and the events of the twentieth century. This house used to be the gathering place for the opponents of the Mashrouteh (Constitution) Movement.
Back to top

There are several other private and public historical buildings worth seeing. The most important ones are: Sadeqi's House, Manafzadeh's House, building of Islamic School etc.

At a proximity to Aslandooz in Moqan, there are graveyards dating back to the 1st millennium before Islam. In the vast plain of Moqan there are also graveyards which mostly belong to the 1st millennium B.C. An example is the graveyard near Germi (i.e. Cidlar) with designed bricks.
Back to top

Located west of the Karjan Kalkhoran Village, it contains a few tombstones designed in the Islamic style. This graveyard dates back to about the 6 - 8th centuries A.H.
Back to top

This graveyard is located in the Onar Village, 24 km. from Meshkin Shahr It has a diversity of tombstones including some with the design of a star or other decorations. In this graveyard several historical objects have been found.
Back to top

Among other historical graveyards of the province Sham Asbi Graveyard can be pointed out.
Back to top

In the heart of a mountain in the Kalkhoran area there are soft sediments and among them square-shaped houses can be observed. Some of the objects found at this site date back to the Parthian period..
Back to top

Back to top

About 100 meters to the east of the main square in Meshkin Shahr, this inscription is located in a valley named Dareh Baq Nowruz. On one of the slopes there is an inscription belonging to the Shapour II, the Sassanid. This inscription is composed of the following sections:
Line 1-3: The date of the inscription goes back to year 300 before Islam.
Line 3-9: Recognition of the work of Hormoz for his six-year efforts during the construction of the tower.
Line 9-21: An advice from Hormozd to the elite of the city asking them to contemplate the beauty of the tower or to make an effort to build a better one.
Back to top

It is a rather modernly designed mosque and is an imitation of Sheikh Safi's "Allah Allah" Dome. It is decorated by bricks and turquoise tiles. The origin of this mosque goes back to the Qajar period but it has been renovated and reconstructed recently.
Back to top

This is a remain from the Saljuqian period. In the walls of the minarets there are two inscriptions belonging to about 700 years ago. These have been transferred to a museum. Ceramic and other objects discovered at this site belong to about 600 years ago (Saljuqian period). The rest of the inscriptions which are not in a good conditions date back to the 3rd or 4th centuries.
Back to top

This rather luxurious mosque is located in the center of the city near Ardabil Bazaar. The dome of the mosque is standing on 30 pillars with a diameter of about 88 cm. each. These pillars are ordered in six columns and five rows. The mosque has two pulpits, one wooden and the other as a rolling chair.
Back to top

It is located in the Molla Momen locality behind the mausoleum of Sheikh Safi-edin Ardabily. This building has been constructed during the reign of Shah Abbas I in 1130 AH. There is a room close to the building which is the tomb of two religious leaders.
Back to top

This mausoleum is located in Fakhr Abad Village, Meshkin Shahr. The faade of the building is decorated with black stones and bricks. Internal of the building is adorned with plaster moldings and paintings. Its construction dates back to 1244 AH.
Back to top

This mausoleum is located in the midst of the graveyard of the Kooraeim Village 30 km. far from Ardabil. This rectangular building belongs to the 7th century AH. and is registered by The Cultural Heritage Organization.
Back to top

This mausoleum is located in the southern part of the Sheikh Jebrail Mausoleum. Older inhabitants call this Imamzadeh "Imamzadeh Gol Zard". Seyed Hamzeh is the son of Imam Moosa Kazim (A.S.) who had come from Baqdad to this vicinity guiding the people of Ardabil.
Back to top

Other mausoleums and Imamzadehs of the province are: Imamzadeh Dokhtar in Ouchdakan locality  (Ardabil), Imamzadeh Khalkhall in Khalkhall, Imamzadeh Mir Zaman and Seyed Ebrahim in Khams Village (Khalkall), Peer Ashraf Mausoleum (Ardabil), Seyed Danial in Khanqah Village (Khalkall), Haj Fakhr Mosque (Ardabil), Jame' Mosque and Nov Mosque in Khams Village (Khalkall), Janat Sara Mosque and Hassan Dash Mausoleum in Meshkin Shahr.
Back to top

This building is located in the Armanestan Alley or Ounchoo Meydan in Ardabil and dates back to about 300 years ago. The interior decorations are very interesting and its wooden door is ornamented with intricately carved geometrical designs.
Back to top

One of the most interesting mountains of Iran, with an altitude of about 4,800 m., is Sabalan which is originally a volcanic mountain. The summit is located 41 km. from Ardabil and can be easily observed while traveling on the road to Sar Ein and Ardabil. There is a lake on top of the Sabalan Mountain, which is a major attraction for professional hikers.

Ardabil Province is one of the richest provinces for its wildlife. Some of these animals are as follows: Wild goat, Armenian wild sheep, wild boar, fox, wolf, black and brown bear, migratory and endemic birds (i.e. bustard, Caucasian black grouse, etc). Most important wildlife habitats are at a distance of not more than 95 km. around Meshkin Shahr. The most important habitats of the province are as follows:

This habitat is located 83 km. northeast to Meshkin Shahr, in the Aqababa Mountains with an area of 70 square kilometers is 1200 m. higher than the sea level having wild goat, wolf, rabbit, bore, partridge etc.
Back to top

With an area of 60 square kilometers, this habitat is located 80 km. northeast to Meshkin Shahr with the altitude of 1700 m. Some species like wild goat, wild bore, rabbit, fox and partridge live over there.
Back to top

Located on the northern foothills of Sabalan Mountains with the altitude of 2,725 m. this area is the habitat of several species of wildlife. The most important of them are: wild goat, Armenian wild sheep, partridge, turtledove and ringdove.
Back to top

Covering an area of 120 square kilometers this habitat is 1,200 meters high from the sea level. It is 95 kilometers far from Meshkin Shahr and is the home of wild goat, Armenian wild sheep, fox, wolf, rabbit, partridge, turtledove, ringdove and bustard etc.
Back to top

Located south of Meshkin shahr and west of the Haram Daq Mountains, this habitat is 3,200 meters higher than the sea level. This region is the habitat of ringdove, rabbit, partridge, turtledove, and other species of migratory and prey birds.
Back to top

Covering an area of 1,000 hectare this lake is located 30 kilometers far from Ardabil. It has a unique ecosystem and habitat of rainbow trout and other species of birds and animals.
Back to top

Located 25 km. southeast of Meshkin Shahr ,this habitat has an area of 105 square kilometers with altitude of 200 m. There live some wildlife like wild goat, Armenian wild sheep (in winters), brown bear, wolf, rabbit and different species of birds.
Back to top

With an area of 75 square kilometers, this habitat has an altitude of 2,200 meters located 20 kilometers southeast of Meshkin Shahr. This region is the habitat of the wild goat, Armenian wild sheep, fox, wolf, rabbit, partridge, turtledove, ringdove and other species of migratory birds.
Back to top

Other important habitats and protected areas of the province are: Hajiloo, Tanbaq, Arbab Kandi protected zones as well as the summer and winter residing areas of Meshkin Shahr; site seeing Fadoqloo forests around Ardabil; Shaqla Dareh summer residing area in Ardabil - Astara Road; Haft Khaneh cave in Garm Khaneh village (Khalkhall), Daro Cave in Shahrood - Khalkhall Road and recreational area of Khalkhal.
Back to top

This wetland is located 15 km. southeast of Ardabil, near a village with the same name. It is the habitat of important waterfowl such as mallard, scup, ruddy shelduck and starling.
Back to top

This lake is located 48 km. southeast of the city of Ardabil, in an altitude of 2,700 m. above sea level. With an area of more than 220 hectares, it is composed of a smaller and a larger basin, which gets connected in rainy seasons forming a single lake. The Maximum depth of this lake reaches 5.5 m. with the average of 3 m. depth. The Neor Lake is the habitat of rainbow trout and birds such as ruddy shelduck and migrant swallows. Sports, fishing and other recreational activities are common and popular at this site.
Back to top

It is a seasonal wetland located 35 km. southeast of Ardabil city. In spring and winter the area is used by a diversity of waterfowls. The region holds rich pastures for grazing of livestock.
Back to top

With an area of 120 hectares, this salt-water lake is located south of the Ardabil city and constitutes an important recreational site for the inhabitants of Ardabil with several facilities.
Back to top

Being about 900 square kilometers in area, this plain is covered with rich vegetation and has vast fertile agriculture lands. It is also used by the local people for recreational purposes on weekends.
Back to top

Encompassing an area of more than 300-350 thousand hectares, the Moqan plain is located to the north of Ardabil Province and west of the Caspian Sea. Due to its mild winters and humid summers, it is considered as an important agricultural pole of Iran. Vast verdant farmlands and orchards as well as related industries have been established in this area which along with the tribal lifestyle of Shahsavans may attract many interested tourists.
Back to top

Ardabil to Rasht via Astara passes by these forests which have been divided between ex-Soviet Union and Iran. This road is one of the most scenic roads while traveling in Iran; however caution must be taken as the road conditions are sometimes difficult at higher altitudes.
Back to top

Aras, which in Azerbaijani language is called "Araz", is the most important river in northern Iran and Azerbaijan provinces. This river originates from the Goel Daq Mountain in Turkey and after joining the Kor River, it finally pours into the west end of the Caspian Sea. The river marks the border between Iran and Armenia and Azerbaijani Republics. There are many important dams over this river irrigating the surrounding areas in the Moqan Plain and some of the most important agricultural lands in Iran.
Back to top

Meaning "a river with many fish" in Azerbaijani language, this river originates from the Sabalan Mountains and passes through Ardabil city. As a result, many villages and townships have settled around this river. It also irrigates much of the agricultural lands in this province.
Back to top

Meaning "black water" in Azerbaijani language, this river is 108 km. long and joining the Aras, Qoory Chay and Baliqly Chay Rivers. Its banks are utilized as recreational areas both by local residence and tourists.
Back to top

Due to its geological situation, Ardabil Province is a home to many thermal and mineral springs, which are among the most important and popular ones in Iran and in the region and are mostly used for therapeutic purposes. The most important ones are as follows:

It is close to the Gol Ali Spring having very limpid water. Its temperature is 30 C with the water yielding capacity of 1 liter/second. This spring annually attracts many tourists.
Back to top

Located 3 kilometers north of Sar Ein in a valley, this cold water mineral spring has several sources. Drinking its water is recommended for urological and gastric diseases.
Back to top

It is located 45 kilometers west of Ardabil towards the city of Sarab. It contains carbon dioxide (CO₂) with the temperature of 49 C as well as different mineral compounds effective in rheumatism and skin diseases.
Back to top

It is located 15 kilometers south of Meshkin Shahr. Its water contains sulfate and phosphorous compounds and carbon dioxide (COO₂).
Back to top

In this spring there is a pool with 25 X 17 m. area. Its temperature is 45 C and its water yielding capacity is 30 liter/second which is the highest in the region.
Back to top

Its water enters a pond and then enters the Sar Ein Valley. Its temperature is 43 C with the water yielding capacity of 1.5 liter/second.
Back to top

These two springs flow out from several crevices holding a high quantity of CO₂ gas. After joining other springs, its water is used for agricultural purposes. Its water yielding capacity is 30 liter/second and its temperature is 17 C with no sedimentation.
Back to top