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Ardebil stands about 60km from the Caspian Sea. It is located on an open plain 1,400 m above sea level, just east of Mount Sabalan (4,811 m), where cold spells occur until late spring. Access is made by difficult roads. It is surrounded by vast areas of grazing grounds, without trees. It suffered a major earthquake in 1997, causing hundreds of fatalities.

Being a city of great antiquity, the origins of Ardebil go back to 1500 years ago. This city was the capital of Azerbaijan province in different times, but its golden age was in the Safavid period. Neighbouring on the Caspian Sea and the Republic of Azerbaijan, this city is of great political and economical significance. Enjoying fertile soil and adequate precipitation, Ardebil is an important agricultural centre in Iran. The mineral springs of Ardebil are Beele-Darreh, Sar'eyn, Sardabeh and Booshloo, being famous for their medicinal qualities throughout Iran.

The complex of Sheikh Safi-ad-Din-e-Ardabili is an impressive ancient monument, comprising the following components: the mausoleums of Sheikh Safi and Shah Isma'il, Chini khaneh (meaning the house of chinaware), a mosque, Jannat Sara (meaning the house of paradise), Khanaqah (the house of Dervishes), Cheragh Khaneh (the house of lamps), Shahid khaneh (the house of martyrs) and Chelleh Khaneh (the place where devotees shut themselves up during the forty days of Lent). The mausoleum of Sheikh Safi, the famous dome of which is called "Allah-Allah" has an octagonal interior