Palace of Ardashir I (Ardashir Babakan) is known as Firuzabad Fire temple which located in Firuzabad, Fars province.
The Palace of Ardashir was the biggest fire temple in the Fars province. This monument dates back to the Sasanian era, with a history of 1800 years. Firuzabad was known as Ardashir-Khwarrah city or Shahr-e Gour in the past. The Palace of Ardashir was the second main monument after the Ardashir-Khwarrah from the Sasanian era. Moreover, this palace was the principal residence of the king. Ardashir chose there to build the palace due to the existence of a pond in this area.
Using different architectural techniques was the main point in the construction of this palace. It was the biggest fire temple, which was made of rubble and plaster. They endeavored to use the local material provided by their town. The Palace of Ardashir included three sections as follows: A high porch (Iwan), three domes above the halls, and a courtyard with two porches.
The architectural style of this palace established a pattern for many other monuments in Iran. Some archaeologists believe the Palace of Ardashir was the first ancient structure that included a porch (Iwan), a vault, and a dome in the Sasanian era.
During the visit to this palace, you will see one of the prominent samples of Stucco in the Sasanian era. The halls link to each other. On the east side of the palace, you will see three halls with three domes above them. These three halls were the place of three sacred fires. Moreover, Khishkhan is a fascinating architectural element which used in the wall of this monument in order to allow air.
The Palace of Ardashir located into the Atashkadeh village 95 kilometers from Shiraz. Also, it is situated two kilometers north of Gour city.
“Oh! Squander not this breath that Heaven hath lent thee, Nor make too sure another breath to borrow!’” Khayam