Soltaniyeh dome world’s third largest dome is located near east of Zanjan. It is the largest dome after Santa Maria del fiore and Hagia Sophia. This dome belongs to a building which is Oljeitu Mausoleum. He ordered to build this construction between 1302 to 1312 AD. The mausoleum was in Soltaniyeh. At the time Soltaniyeh was the capital of Ilkhanid kingdom. In fact Soltaniyeh dome is an architectural masterpiece of Islamic era. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site.

Nowadays this building is in the old city of Soltaniyeh. its shape is octagonal. It also has a minaret o each edge of octagonal. The height of Soltaniyeh dome is about 48/5 meters. Aside from that the inner diameter of dome is 25/5 meters. There are rooms and chambers all around the dome. The outer surface of Soltaniyeh dome is covered with turquoise tiles. Which in this case makes a beautiful color contrast with earthy tone of the building. Furthermore the inside ceiling of dome is also ornate with different Islamic patterns. Including various colored plaster and brick work. These decorations represent some Quranic verses and names of Allah. In conclusion building of Soltaniyeh is a turning point in architectural style of that time.

History

At the time the old city of Sultaniyeh had many constructions. Such as monastery, hospital and a huge square. They say that Soltaniyeh square might be twice as big as Naghsh e-Jahan square. But now only Oljeitu mausoleum and its dome is standing. Some historians wrote that Oljeitu built this building to transfer the bodies of the first and third Shiaa Imams here. But he had a change of heart after a dream he had. Some even said that he converted from Islam after some time. There are many involute halls and corridors in the cellar of building. Historians believe that these were used for special ceremonies. So maybe the king returned to his origins and practiced Shamanism. And these special places were used for religious ceremonies. King Oljeitu died 2 years after they finished building Soltaniyeh. They Buried him in the cellar of the building according to his will.

If you wish to visit Soltaniyeh dome world’s third largest dome you can sen your request for Iran Medieval tour any time.