Get to know world’s largest brick dome

Soltaniyeh, the mausoleum of Oljaytu, is one of the outstanding examples of Persian architecture located in the Iranian province of Zanjan.

The UNESCO inscribed site was constructed in 1302-12 during the reign of Ilkhanid dynasty in the city of Soltaniyeh that was once the capital of the dynasty, founded by Mongols.

The monument has a very large 50 meter-high dome that is its largest type in the world.

Also, after Hagia Sophia’s dome in Turkey and Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore’s dome in Italy, it is the world's third biggest brick dome considering its diameter.

The dome is covered in turquoise-blue faience and surrounded by eight slender minarets.

It is also the earliest example of double-shelled dome that means there are two domes inside each other.

As stated on website of the UNESCO, “the extremely rich interior of the mausoleum, which includes glazed tiles, brickwork, marquetry or designs in inlaid materials, stucco, and frescoes, illustrates an important movement towards more elaborate materials and themes”.

PR/MG