Shapour Cave is located in the Zagros Mountains, in southern Iran, about 6 km from the ancient city of Bishapour. This cave is near Kazerun in the vicinity of Chogan Gorge, a place filled with numerous reliefs of Sassanid dynasty, which was the site of polo, in the Sassanian period. In the cave, stands the 1800-year-old colossal statue of Shapour I, the second ruler of the Sassanid Empire. The statue was carved from one stalagmite. The height of statue is 7 m. and its shoulders are 2 m. wide, and its hands are 3 m. long. The length of cave entrance is about 16 m., with a height of less than 8 m. Behind the statue, in the depth of the cave, are three ancient water-basins. At both sides of the statue, the rock-walls of the cave were prepared for reliefs by levelling, but the reliefs were never made. It is said that in addition to this giant statue of Shapour I, the tomb of this great man is also situated somewhere in this cave.
Approximate tour duration : One full day
Best time of operation : All year round
Drive to the cave (140 km, 2 hrs), make a nearly 2-hour steady climb from the road to reach the mouth of this amazing cave, visit the cave (1 hr), and descend downwards (1 hr). Then, pay a visit to the ancient city of Bishapour, Anahita Temple, and Chogan Gorge along the way and finally return to Shiraz (2 hrs).
Attractions:
1. The statue of Shapour & ancient water-basins in the cave
2. Chogan Gorge wonderful scenery & reliefs
3. The ancient city of Bishapour & Anahita Temple
