Tehran, Aug 10, IRNA - With lush landscape in most places, the city of Khorramabad, in the western province of Lorestan, is an ideal summer destination.

In local dialect, Khorramabad takes its name from �where the sun sinks�. The unique geographic condition of the city, which is surrounded by tall mountains and established in the heart of a valley, creates one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world, the Tehran-based English newspaper, Iran Daily, reported.

One can see the sun go down gradually during sunset, as if the valley is embracing it.

The Persian daily �Iran� introduced some of the most important tourist sites of the city. They are listed as follows:

Falak-ol-Aflak
Dating back to the Sassanid era, Falak-ol-Aflak is a tall and strong fortress standing on top of a hill and can be seen from the entire city.

Spread over an area of 5,300 sq.m., Falak-ol-Aflak has eight circular towers and very solid walls. With its unique architectural style, the fortress hosts one of the most prestigious anthropology museums of Iran. It is regarded as one of the most important tourism attractions of Khorramabad.

The anthropology museum of Falak-ol-Aflak provides visitors with an opportunity to become familiar with the rituals of ethnic people, as well as showcasing the living condition of the residents of Lorestan.

Dark blue lake
Kio Lake is one of the enchanting attractions of Khorramabad.

The lake, whose depth ranges between three and seven meters, extends over an area of seven hectares.

Kio, which is dark blue in color, is situated near a wetland and a beautiful park with green surroundings.

Kio and other nearby natural attractions are ideal for ecotourists.

Makhmal Mountain
A tall mountain, which is covered with lichens, is situated on the eastern entrance of Khorramabad. The lichen is green during spring thanks to the rainfall but turns black in other seasons. A protected zone has been established by Lorestan Natural Resources Department near the mountain, which is a good resort of ecotourists.
Makhmal Mountain is ideal for hiking during spring and summer.

Spas
Khorramabad can be described as the city of spas since it is home to eight spas which supply cold water throughout the year.

Golestan, Gol-e Sorkh and Shabakhti are some of them. Khorramabad used to have more such springs, but urban development has caused them to dry up.

Ancient habitats
Caves which were the first habitats of humans are among the natural attractions of the city. Khorramabad is home to numerous caves including Konji, Arjeneh, Gilvaran and Qamari.

Doushe Cave is one of the most important historical caves of the city, which is home to 110 drawings created by early humans.

Brick minaret
The brick minarets of Khorramabad were built to help caravans find their ways through dark nights. To facilitate this, a fire was lighted on top of the minarets, which was visible from long distances.

After the advent of Islam, the minarets served other functions. They were not just regarded as a symbol of Islamic architecture, from which call to prayer was recited but also were constructed to prevent landslide in time of earthquake.

Brick minarets of Khorramabad were built nine centuries ago in the south of the city. One can reach the top of the minaret by taking 99 circular steps.

There are ancient stone and plaster ruins of a construction near the brick minarets, which are evidence to the existence of an ancient mosque or caravanserai.

The brick minarets reach a height of about 30 meters today, but they used to be taller. Wind erosion has reduced the height of minarets over the past centuries.

Celebrations and mourning
People in Lorestan province, known as Lors, have a great interest in music. Music epitomizes occasions both in times of joy and sadness. 'Sorna' and 'Dohol' are important musical instruments of the Lors, which are played in both weddings and funerals. Shops selling musical instruments are found in large numbers in Lorestan province.

Baba Taher
Baba Taher is a prominent Iranian poet, who lived in late 10th and early 11th centuries CE in Khorramabad. However, there are two graveyards in two different cities attributed to him: One is in Hamedan and the other is in Khorramabad. According to experts, Khorramabad is more likely to be his eternal rest place, as he was born there and wrote poems in Lori dialect.

Souvenirs
Honey is the healthiest souvenir one can take home from Khorramabad. The city is home to lots of stores which exclusively sell high quality honey. In case of having a sweet tooth, one could purchase Kak, a kind of local cookie.

Kilim, Jajim and Kamancheh (a music instrument) are other souvenirs one can buy from Khorramabad.

By IRNA