According to Mohsen Masoum Alizadeh, the provincial tourism chief, the unique site has become popular among tourists during Nowruz celebrations in recent years, which has contributed to the development of Hamadan’s tourism sector. Samen (Hamedan province) is now among the five most visited attractions in the province.
The Samen underground complex comprises 25 rock-cut rooms, interconnected tunnels and corridors. It was originally used for religious purposes, then as a cemetery and as an emergency shelter. This is reported by
Tehran Times, a partner of TV BRICS.
Excavations at the site began in 2005 and continue to this day; dozens of well-preserved skeletons have been discovered.
Ancient Hamedan, known in classical times as Hangmatana, was one of the greatest cities of the ancient world. Although little has survived from ancient times, much of the city centre has been excavated.
Hamadan is situated on a high plateau and is characterised by cool weather in August, while the winter months can be snowy and very cold. Hamadan’s main tourist attractions include the Ali Sadr cave, Ganjnameh inscriptions, Avicenna Mausoleum, Hegmataneh hill, Alaviyan dome, Jameh mosque, and St. Stephanos Gregorian Church.
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iStock
