Shapur Cave is the first masterpiece carved from the heart of a mountain where the Shapur statue is sculpted, attracting both domestic and foreign tourists with excitement and unique allure.
When you plan to travel to Fars Province, we recommend visiting the historical and remarkable city of Bishapur. Bishapur is located in Kazeroon County and is considered one of Iran’s historical and ancient sites.
Bishapur, situated in the northern part of Kazeroon, was constructed by Shapur I during the Sassanian era. You will witness abundant beauties in the nature of this city, considered one of the winter capitals of Shapur I and among the famous and prominent cities of the Sassanian era.
This city boasts numerous tourist attractions, including temples, tombs, and countless defensive structures. However, one of the most famous and captivating sites, rich with numerous stories, is the statue of Shapur I.
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Shapur Cave in the city of Bishapur
The statue of Shapur I is carved in the heart of a cave, which has gained fame as Shapur Cave. Shapur Cave is located at the end of Tang-e Chogan, approximately four kilometers from the city of Bishapur.
As you approach this cave, you will witness a massive statue at the mouth of Shapur Cave, easily visible from a distance, armed with eyes.
On the path to the mouth of Shapur Cave, you will witness pristine and picturesque nature, offering freshness and new life in every moment. At the entrance of the cave, you will first see a gigantic statue, creatively carved from the heart of a rocky mountain.
You guessed it right; this is the real face of Shapur I from the Sassanian era. The way this beautiful and astonishing structure is carved is so magnificent that even after 1700 years, it stands grand and firm.
We mentioned that the reason for naming Shapur Cave is due to the presence of a sculpted statue of Shapur I from the Sassanian period, but the reason for this sculpture in the heart of this stone was that at the time Shapur I emerged victorious in battle against Aedispus from the Romans, placing the statue of Shapur I as a symbol of victory and power in this location.
The statue of Shapur in This Cave has a global reputation and is considered a cultural and historical center in Iran.
It is worth mentioning that in Fars Province, there are other caves such as Baba Jaber and Niasar Caves, which unfortunately have no connection to Shapur Cave in terms of contemporaneity of the ruling period.
It should be noted that these caves belong to us before the Sassanian period and are related to a series of their own special events, ceremonies, and customs. Therefore, Shapur Cave has been separate from other caves in Fars Province.
Geographical Location of Shapur Cave
You will see This Cave on the walls of a rocky cave formed in a semi-circular shape. When entering the cave’s mouth, you will not only see the statue of Shapur but also see prominent reliefs of history in the Sassanian period depicted on the entrance walls of the cave.
To the right corner of the entrance to Tang-e Chogan, your attention is drawn to the remains of a fortress, indicating that a guard post was built in this area to control the entrance to this gorge. You will see the bed of the Shapur River in the valley of Chogan, which directs water into the city of Bishapur through various channels.
Shapur Cave Entrance
Shapur Cave is located in the heart of a rocky mountain in Tang-e Chogan, overlooking a beautiful and temperate valley. The initial entrance of Shapur Cave is 30 meters long with a height of 15 meters where the statue of Shapur is placed.
At the entrance of the cave, on the left side, you will see a dome, only part of which is constructed. As you walk about ten meters into This Cave, you will see the statue of Shapur, standing over 6 meters tall. This is the same statue that portrays the reign of Shapur I of the Sassanian dynasty. The statue of Shapur symbolizes the power and glory of Shapur I during the Sassanian period.
As mentioned, inscriptions are carved on the walls, and one of the inscriptions on the wall of Shapur Cave is a translation of the inscription with the Rajab motif, accompanied by more detailed explanations regarding the reconstruction of the statue of Shapur, which was carried out by the army in 1336, a thousand years after its creation.
Four Porticos of Shapur Cave
Upon entering Shapur Cave, you will see four porticos leading inward from the cave entrance. Comparing the first portico with the second, you will notice the greatest height difference between the porticos, approximately 10 steps.
While the difference between the second and third porticos is 8 steps, and ultimately, the height difference between the third and fourth porticos is 7 steps, with the distinction that the fourth portico is wider and more expansive than the others.
Due to its wider width, the fourth portico allows you to easily descend into the depth of This Cave with 12 steps. It is worth noting that these porticos do not date back to the Sassanian period but were built in 1336 for better visibility and convenience for the public to visit the magnificent statue of Shapur.
Shapur Cave Reservoirs
Shapur Cave has several significant halls leading to the end of the cave, where at the end of one of the halls on the left side of This Cave, you will find two reservoirs that are about 5 meters apart within the heart of the cave.
If we were to describe the characteristics of the Shapur Cave reservoirs, each reservoir has an area of approximately three to four meters, and the next reservoir is about three to four meters as well, with each of the Shapur Cave reservoirs having a depth of about one meter.
The purpose of creating reservoirs in This Cave was to collect water that drips from the ceiling to the floor of the cave. In this created position (the reservoirs), water accumulates and supplies the necessary water to the residents of the city of Bishapur.
In the pristine and beloved nature of This Cave, on the left side of the reservoirs, you will see a beautiful rocky waterfall, and nearby, there is a vast pit with a diameter of about 100 meters and a depth of around 30 meters.
Treasure of Shapur Cave
Shapur Cave is one of the famous cultural and historical centers in Iran, and for this reason, most historians and experts believe that surely a treasure is hidden in the heart of Shapur Cave. This idea is entirely correct because caves are secure places for treasures and valuable items, and the inherent value of Shapur Cave reinforces such an idea.
Despite research on the burial practices of past generations in hiding treasures and valuable legacies in caves and mountains, unfortunately, such an attitude towards This Cave is not accurate. Perhaps the proper and constant care of Shapur Cave creates such a mindset, but in reality, the treasure was not buried there.
Experts have conducted all their research on all the structures of This Cave and have not found any treasure in it other than the magnificent statue of Shapur I, which is evident to all.
The Passage of Time on the Statue of Shapur
In the statue of the king that you see in Shapur Cave, there is an image of Shapur dressed in long and adorned attire with all the special finesse applied to it, with a sword attached to his waist, all of which you can see.
Although Shapur the king’s right hand is placed on his waist and his left hand rests on the sword, adding a special beauty and dignity to the statue of Shapur. Shapur the king’s almost long beard, passing through a ring, will captivate the observer with full dignity. Finally, you will see a beautiful and remarkable crown on Shapur the king’s head, placed on his long hair.
The unfortunate news about the fate of the statue of Shapur I is that unfortunately, the hands of the statue of Shapur are broken, and the main reason for this is an earthquake that occurred during that era, leading to the alteration of the statue of Shapur, which was repaired through the Iranian army in 1336 and reinstated in its original location. However, with utmost regret, the way the statue was placed and repaired was done in a completely unprofessional manner.
Although the restoration of the statue of Shapur has been carried out, the reinforcement and resistance enhancement of the statue have not been done yet, and there is still a possibility of damage and the collapse of some of its components.
Visiting Shapur Cave
To fully explore all the remarkable parts of Shapur Cave and that region, it is advisable to be informed about our recommendations for visiting.
One of the most important factors is being physically prepared because the area where This Cave is located is untouched and pristine, requiring you to navigate through agricultural fields, bushes, and forest trees, making the walk enjoyable.
In addition to this walk, it is necessary to wear appropriate shoes that have a non-slip history and can easily get you to your destination in challenging conditions.
Along with suitable shoes for walking, it is necessary to have some accessories with you. Make sure to carry drinking water, some snacks, and a flashlight. This way, if your exploration and visit to the beautiful and pristine area take longer than expected, you won’t have to worry. Even when entering the cave, if any part of it is dark, you can find your way through the flashlight.
Exploring Shapur Cave is a fascinating journey into history and nature, offering a glimpse into the ancient wonders of Iran.
Final Words
Venturing into Shapur Cave unveils a world where history and nature intertwine, creating a captivating experience for all who visit. From the majestic statue of Shapur I to the mystical reservoirs within the cave, each corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. Remember to tread carefully, respect the surroundings, and embrace the beauty that This Cave has to offer.
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FAQ
Is Shapur Cave easily accessible for visitors?
Shapur Cave is accessible by foot, requiring a moderate level of physical fitness due to the natural terrain. Proper footwear and basic supplies are recommended for a comfortable visit.
What is the significance of the reservoirs in Shapur Cave?
The reservoirs inside This Cave were designed to collect water dripping from the cave’s ceiling, providing a water source for the residents of Bishapur in ancient times.
What happened to the statue of Shapur I in the cave?
The statue of Shapur I suffered damage, particularly to its hands, due to historical earthquakes. While restoration efforts have been made, further reinforcement is needed to ensure its long-term preservation.
Are there guided tours available for Shapur Cave?
Guided tours may be available depending on the season and local regulations. It’s advisable to check with local authorities or tour operators for more information.