Sometimes, it doesn’t matter what happened in the history of a building or who died or was born in it. The beauty of Narenjestan Garden is a match for all the things you might want to encounter on your trip: the scent of oranges, colorful flowers, green trees, and ponds, along with fountains that create an intimate atmosphere. Watching the garden of Narenjestan evokes a strange sense of consistency, an old and familiar feeling of fragrance, color, and beauty; it’s as if this were a party to which everyone is invited.
In this blog from OverIran Tourism Magazine, I will introduce you to Narenjestan Qavam, one of the must-see places in Shiraz. First, I will delve a little into the history of this historic mansion and garden, and then I will introduce its different parts and the unique features of each.
Where is Narenjestan Qavam?
Address of Narenjestan Qavam, Shiraz: Lotfali Khan Zand St, not reaching Zainbiyeh St, Shiraz, Fars Province, iran.
Introduction ofNarenjestan Qavam
When you stroll down the famous Lotf Ali Khan street, don’t leave without experiencing the Narenjestan Qavam garden. This structure is a grand garden house, comprising a lush garden adorned with orange trees and an exquisite mansion. Constructed by the Qavam-ul-Molk family during the Qajar era, this garden and historical edifice underwent years of meticulous craftsmanship, hence earning the moniker, the Qavam House.
The garden’s primary renown stems from its orange trees; visiting in spring, you’ll inhale deeply and sense the air around you becoming lighter. The name “Narenjestan Qavam” is derived from the renowned orange trees gracing the courtyard and the mansion belonging to Qavam al-Molk.
Narenjestan Qavam harmonizes seven Iranian arts, including plasterwork, painting, brickwork, mosaic, sculpture, carving, and mirrorwork. Through this amalgamation, it presents a breathtaking showcase of Iranian artistic elegance. This stunning historical exhibition was recognized as a national treasure of Iran in 1353, drawing numerous tourists to Shiraz annually, garnering widespread popularity.
Narenjestan Qavam was constructed within a space spanning 3500 square meters, taking the shape of a building covering an area of 940 square meters. This edifice comprises two sections, namely the north and south. Originally, Narenjestan Qavam encompassed two divisions: outer and inner. The inner portion, referred to as Qavam or Qavam’s house, comprised the inner sections of the building, the Gachineh bathhouse, and three residences surrounding Narenjestan. However, these residences have since been detached from the overall structure of Narenjestan Qavam.
Narenjestan garden sights
Passing through the courtyard and paradise path of Shiraz’s Narenjestan, we arrive at the Qavam-ul-Molk mansion. At first glance, the main building of the mansion catches the eye, distinguished by its famous porch adorned with columns. On the left side of the building lies the coffee house, while stairs flank both sides of the porch, providing access to the interior.
In essence, Narenjestan Qavam comprises the Narenjestan garden and several structures situated in the northern, eastern, and southern sectors. Constructed during the Qajar era, this mansion consists of two primary sections: north and south. The northern section houses the main building with its renowned two-columned porch, serving as the residence for the ruler and hosting ceremonial events. Meanwhile, the southern portion encompasses four rooms in the southeast and west, originally designated as the crew’s quarters.
In the subsequent sections, I will introduce the various components of Narenjestan Qavam and depict their beauty, providing insight into why this location is revered as one of Shiraz’s most captivating destinations.
Entrance with Luxurious Decorations
The experience of Narenjestan Garden, Qavam, Shiraz, begins the moment you arrive. The entrance features a brick wall and a pillar leading you inward through a teak inlaid wooden door. Flanking the door on both sides are two intricately carved stone plinths bearing depictions of two Qajar soldiers with guns, crafted by hand.
Above the entrance door, a pink marble inscription displays the date of Qavam Garden’s construction in 1305 (during the era of Naser al-Din Shah), along with verses from the Quran. Surrounding the inscription are poems by Asoodeh, a Shirazi poet. This wooden door opens into a vestibule-shaped covered area, its ceiling adorned with exquisite brickwork, tiling, and plastering. Within this opulent entrance, a small shop offers a variety of souvenirs and traditional accessories for purchase.
Main and Green Yard
Here lies the Narenjestan Qavam, as mentioned at the outset of the article. This expansive area between the north and south buildings is enclosed by iron fences. The garden, replete with orange trees and colorful flowers, was originally enclosed during the Qajar period and remains unchanged.
Upon entering the garden through the entrance door, the pathway is flanked by orange trees, guiding your way through this endless garden. While other trees inhabit the garden, nothing quite compares to the scent of spring oranges. The yard of Narenjestan Qavam is a place where every turn offers a feast for the eyes, captivating with its colors and beauty.
The Main Hall of the House
The principal mansion of Narenjestan Qavam Shiraz, boasting a grand porch and two marble columns, was designed and constructed based on Zandiye period architecture. The magnificent decorations adorning this mansion stand as a testament to the pinnacle of Qajar era artistry. The main building, a two-story structure with a basement and expansive veranda, comprises 20 rooms, all interconnected in a surprising manner (except for the eastern part). In bygone days, the basement served as an armory and storage space for beans, herbs, and rice.
The Porch of the Mansion
The breathtaking porch of the Narenjestan Qavam mansion ranks among the architectural marvels of the Qajar era in Iran. This expansive porch, overlooking the pond and heavenly yard of Narenjestan, is constructed with two cylindrical stone columns made of marble. Carved capitals atop the columns offer a stunning view of the porch.
What sets this porch apart from others in historical buildings is not only its grandeur but also its unique paintings, mirrors, and carvings. The ceiling is adorned with intricate paintings, featuring a large medallion surrounded by six captivating oval landscapes.
Mansion Rooms
On either side of the mansion porch, two sets of stairs rise two meters above the ground, leading to the bedrooms and interior of the mansion. Baharhob, an open and level space, offers a noble view of the Narenjestan garden.
Adjacent to the porch lies the main room of the mansion, known as the Room of Colors and Mirrors or the King’s Room, serving as the residence for the ruler, his kin, and esteemed guests. The intricate mirror work adorning the ceiling, walls, and throughout the room creates a mesmerizing ambiance, inviting hours of contemplation to appreciate every detail.
Decorations of the Main Building
You’ll be astonished to learn that all the doors and windows of the main building described thus far are crafted from walnut wood. Imagine overlaying the beautiful imagery of the mansion and porch with wooden doors and windows embellished in Indian style and adorned with Persian Gulf shells.
The exterior of the main structure is unassuming, with the top featuring Seh Hilal edifice built in the architectural style of the era. Painted images adorn these crescents, featuring two lions’ heads with an inscription (Nasr Man Allah wa Fatah Qorb) flanked by two angels on the central crescent, while the smaller left and right crescents depict a leopard hunting a deer. These original designs are complemented by intricate background patterns, filling the remainder of the space with slim and elegant motifs
Narenjestan Museum of Antiques
As mentioned in the history section, Narenjestan Qavam Mansion was under the control of Shiraz University’s Asian Institute headed by Professor Arthur Pope for ten years. Arthur Pope displayed some of his antiques, books, and research in this mansion.
Currently, Narenjestan Qavam museum houses a library where the entire collection of Professor Pope’s books is kept. These books were generously donated to Shiraz University by the professor.
The House of Ethnics
The House of Iraghis is a part of Narenjestan Qavam mansion in Shiraz, situated in the eastern area of the mansion. Initially known as the Maktabkhaneh mansion, it later accommodated various families who used it for sweating, earning it the nickname “sweat house.”
While the House of Iraghis boasts an attractive architectural structure, it has suffered considerable damage over the years and is in need of restoration. Currently owned by Shiraz University, visiting this building is not possible.
Bathroom
Gechineh Bath, one of Shiraz’s famous ancient baths, is linked to Narenjestan Qavam through a tunnel and is considered part of Narenjestan Qavam. Constructed in the year 1300 AH, further investigations revealed another section of the bath believed to be a private bath of Qavam, complete with a pathway to Gechineh Bath.
The Cultural Heritage Organization acquired this building in 1371 from an individual named Hamdam. Presently, visiting Gechineh Bath is not possible.
South Building
The buildings on the south side of Narenjestan Qavam comprise two corridors, one connected to the main courtyard via a vestibule at the garden entrance. These corridors feature two full-length porches adorned with four inlaid wooden columns and two semi-columns. The porch walls are intricately plastered, and the floors are tiled with white and blue tiles.
The eastern porch ceiling combines mirror work and wood painting, unfortunately irreparably damaged during a fire, rendering restoration impossible. Five stone windows serve as skylights in front of the porches, delicately carved.
Six rooms flank each side of the southern building, formerly serving as the government or ruler’s office. The porches also served as waiting rooms for clients.
In the center of the southern building stands a large archway flanked by two smaller archways, their surfaces tiled in the Zandiye period art style. The large archway depicts the image of three servants wearing Zendiyeh period attire.
Different Basements
A notable feature of the Narenjestan Qavam basement, one of Shiraz’s attractions, is its continuous stretch from south to north. This underground realm possesses its own grandeur, far from ordinary.
The courtyard of Narenjestan Qavam boasts four entrances to the basement, two of which are sealed with stones. The basement’s structure is identical in the north and south, with its brickwork renovation taking four years before the revolution. In the past, noble houses were interconnected through the basement, directly linked to the main mansion.
The eastern porch’s basement served as the kitchen, complete with a water channel. Its ceiling was adorned with mirroring, plastering, and painting. The underground pathway from the kitchen to the mansion facilitated the swift and easy delivery of food to the ruler’s residence.
House of Zaint al-Molk
One of the houses within Narenjestan Qavam was designated for Zinat al-Molk Qavami, daughter of Habibullah Khan Qavam al-Molk IV, located in the western part of the building. Following his demise, Zaint al-Molk’s mansion passed to his heirs, who sold it to establish a museum. Today, this mansion stands as a renowned museum.
Unfortunately, the Zaint al-Molk House suffered a fire during the revolution and sustained irreparable damage due to the accommodation of war-affected families.
A Tour of the Amazing Architecture of the Building
Narenjestan Qavam Garden stands out as one of the most significant sightseeing spots in Shiraz, built during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar. This tourist attraction, designed in the Qajar style, draws inspiration for its interior from the architecture of the Zandiye period.
Observing the building’s overall appearance from the entrance door, one can discern the principle of symmetry meticulously integrated into its structure. The porch, centrally positioned, divides the space into symmetrical halves, each adorned with rooms mirroring the other.
In the construction of Narenjestan Qavam, a variety of unique and authentic Iranian arts have been employed, detailed below:
- Painting: As elucidated in the description of different sections of Narenjestan Qavam, painting emerges as a pivotal element in the design of this historical edifice. The walls and chambers of the mansion boast intricate artistic carvings.
- Mirrors: Among the marvels of the Narenjestan mansion is the mirror room and its regal seat. This chamber owes its wonder to the exceptional mirror work adorning its ceiling in various configurations.
- Marquetry: All wooden doors and columns within the Narenjestan mansion are adorned with marquetry, featuring a plethora of intricate designs.
- Mogharnas: The entrance vestibule ceiling of Narenjestan Qavam showcases a splendid example of the elegance of Iranian mogharnas craftsmanship.
- Brickwork: The brickwork throughout Narenjestan Qavam contributes to the garden and mansion’s unique aesthetic, employing various layout techniques such as checkered, banded stone, sleeping, and straight patterns.
- Tiling: The interior vista from the south side of Qavam Narenjestan, as elaborated upon earlier, showcases a diverse array of meticulously tiled designs, including depictions of three servants, Balqis of the Queen of Sheba, and others.
- Plinths: Marble plinths adorned with various designs such as Persepolis and Qajar soldiers represent another artistic facet employed in Narenjestan Qavam.
When is the best time to visit this building?
Narenjestan Qavam, a prominent sightseeing destination in Shiraz, is open for visits every day except during mourning periods and official holidays, from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The admission fee for Narenjestan Qavam is 1 dollar.