Palace of Ardashir

The Palace of Ardashir Pāpakan (in Persian: کاخ اردشير پاپکان, Kākh-e Ardashir-e Pāpakān), also known as the Atash-kadeh آتشکده, is a castle located on the slopes of the mountain on which Dezh Dokhtar is situated.

The structure contains three domes, among other features, making it slightly larger and more magnificent than its predecessor, the nearby castle of Dezh Dokhtar.

However, it seems that the compound was designed to display the royalty image of Ardashir I, rather than being a fortified structure for defense purposes.

From the architectural design, it seems the palace was more of a place of social gathering where guests would be introduced to the imperial throne.

The palace was built next to a picturesque pond that was fed by a natural spring, perhaps in connection with the Persian goddess of water and growth, Anahita.