Ardabil itself, said to be of Sasanian foundation, is justly celebrated for the very beautiful mausoleum of Sheikh Safi-al-Deen, the founder of the Safavid dynasty, who lived and died in the city, being buried there in 1334 A.D. Although there are many other interesting sites, including an early sixteenth century mausoleum that has replaced the original one built for Sheikh Safi's father.

Lying more than 130 miles east of Tabriz in a remote corner of the country, Ardebil has gained importance in recent years and become a separate province. Its touristy claim to fame, however, is the tomb of Sheikh Safi-eddin Ardebili, a widely revered Sufi philosopher of the 14th century who made Ardebil his home. Since his death at the age of 83 his mausoleum has been the Mecca of thousands of pilgrims every year. Shah Ismail, founder of the Safavid Dynasty, was sixth in decent from Sheikh Safi-eddin, whose name gave the Safavids their name. The shrine prospered through the patronage of the Safavid kings who extended and embellished it, and donated many gifts to it.