Apadana Hotel in Shiraz, Fars Province, which had fallen into a severe state of disrepair, has been fully restored by Iran’s Revitalization and Utilization Fund for Historical Places and is now ready for operation once more.
During an auction held by the fund last fall, the building was ceded to Fars Province’s Hoteliers Association, which started restoration immediately and revived the structure within nine months.
The association allocated 10 billion rials ($286,000) for the purpose, the travel news website Donyaye Safar reported.
The move was in line with the fund’s policies to increase the number of tourist destinations by reviving dilapidated structures. The fund’s stated goal is to cede 150 historical buildings by March 2017.
“Tourist attractions must grow in number so that even remote areas get a share of the tourism pie,” said Mohammad Reza Pouyandeh, director of the fund.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday, the official added that restoring historical buildings will not only create new landmarks but also improve reception and lodging services, the fund’s official news portal reported.
Located in the vicinity of the iconic ruins of Persepolis, the hotel was in operation until the 1979 Islamic Revolution. In the 1980s, it passed into the ownership of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization.
The one-story building is spread over 1,700 square meters. It has 17 rooms plus a large and luxurious conference hall. The color of materials used in its construction mirror those used in the construction of Persepolis, which adds to its attraction.
