Darab City

Darab is situated in the east of Fars province and 245 km from Shiraz. The economy of this city is based on agriculture and its main products are citrus fruits, especially oranges. The ancient city of Darabgerd is located near present-day Darab, therefore, it can be said that the history of this city dates back to ancient times.

Sightseeing Sites of Darab

The Pre-Islamic Sites

Naqsh-e Shapur and the ancient city of Darabgerd are the most important historical sites of this city from the pre-Islamic era. Also, the Azarakhsh Fire Temple, which was created in the heart of the mountain and was a place of worship during the three periods of Mithraism, Zoroastrianism, and Islam, is another important historical work of this city. There is a stone mill consisting of two large stone cylinders near this fire temple, which is located on the top of a mountain and works by water power. According to archaeologists, the architecture of this stone mill belongs to the Sassanid era (224 to 651 AD). An inscription can be seen in the west of this mill, on which it is written that the mill was repaired during the reign of Atabaks who ruled parts of western and southern Iran between 1174 and 1597 AD. This mill was restored during the Qajar era (19th century) and was used during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah (1848 to 1896 AD).

Azar Ju fire temple is another historical site of Darab, which, according to the available sources, was built by the order of Zoroaster around the year 1000 BC and before the foundation of Darabgerd city. It seems that one of the reasons for the foundation of Darabgerd was to protect this fire temple and the sacred fire burning in it.

The Post-Islamic Sites

One of the most important sites of the Islamic period of Darab is the Jame’ Mosque of this city, which is the only mosque in the world having four minarets. This 700-year-old mosque has been restored several times since it was first constructed.

Natural Attractions of Darab

One of the most attractive villages around Darab is Lay Zangan village. This village is 75 km away from Darab city and it is known as the land of damask roses and it is one of the largest producers of these roses in Fars province and Iran. Due to its location in the heights, this village was built in a stepped manner and has beautiful springs and spectacular caves. Lay Sineh, Madnagah, Bagh Kor, Pir-e Nau, and Pir Sheikh Ali caves are among the natural sites of this village.

Cheshmeh-ye Golabi (Golabi Spring), which is 17 km away from Darab, is one of the most abundant springs in Iran and has three outlets of fresh water. The reason behind the name of this spring is its resemblance pear (called golabi in Persian). Despite the fact that there are many salt sources in the region, the water of this spring is sweet, which has been something of interest to tourists.

Reghez Canyon of Darab is undoubtedly a must-see site. This gorge, which is located in the Fasarud region, 30 kilometers northwest of Darab and near Reghez village, has a beautiful waterfall and a unique pond. The water of the Reghez Canyon is sourced from a valley in the heart of the forest and travels a distance of five kilometers. This water has created 64 waterfalls and nearly 100 natural ponds with a depth between six and 20 meters. The highest of these waterfalls is 65 meters high.

Another natural attraction of Darab is Tang-e Chakchak, which is located in Sartand village, south of Rostaq. The length of this gorge is about 20 kilometers and according to some experts, the oldest communication route between Darab and Bandar Abbas passed through it. There is a historical site in this gorge that houses some four-arched buildings. One of these buildings is domed and is known as “Mirror Palace”. The building has only one entrance in its eastern part and numerous niches can be seen in it suggest the possibility that it must have been a religious place. A guard tower made of stone and plaster can also be seen in the northern heights of Tang-e Chakchak. There is a spring in the east of this area the water of which drips from the roof of this tang.

Forg district of Darab City also has significant natural attractions. Fadami waterfall, Tall-e Siah, and the valley known as "Aquarium Valley" are among the famous attractions of this section.