A significant aspect of travel in iran revolves around delving into historical adventures, and one of the appealing facets of domestic travel lies in delving into the histories of various regions. Shiraz, situated in the Fars province, stands as a historical gem, boasting pleasant weather and exuding an ethereal ambiance, especially with the fragrant essence of spring oranges. The attractions within Shiraz rank among Iran’s most frequented tourist destinations. Beyond the joy of historical exploration, this city offers opportunities to immerse oneself in pristine natural surroundings. So, for those seeking an adventure in the heavenly city of Fars, let us guide you through the remainder of this blog.
1. Qavam House
Shiraz is renowned as the city of Iran’s famous and celestial gardens, boasting vibrant and picturesque green spaces complemented by delightful weather. Narenjestan Qavam, also known as Qavam Garden, stands as a quintessential attraction in Shiraz, situated on Lotf Ali Khan Zand Street, beckoning visitors to immerse themselves in its beauty.
Narenjestan Garden stands as a relic from the Qajar era, exuding a rich historical atmosphere. Its corners are adorned with old trees and colorful flowers, enhancing its charm. Upon passing through the entrance door and admiring the intricate inlay art, one enters a hall adorned with the splendid arts of Iranian architecture, including plasterwork, brickwork, and tilework.
The garden area envelops visitors in a heavenly ambiance, with mature trees closely intertwined. Spring emerges as an especially delightful time to visit Narenjestan Garden, as the fragrance of spring oranges fills the air, adding to the garden’s allure. Surrounding the garden on its north, east, and south sides are beautifully designed buildings showcasing the unique architectural style of Iran. These structures are adorned with a myriad of traditional arts, including plastering, tilework, painting, mirror work, sculpture, mosaic work, and carving.
Exploring a comprehensive collection of traditional arts within Iranian architecture is a highlight of a visit to Narenjestan Qavam. The main building of the garden, situated in the north of the complex, boasts a magnificent porch overlooking the pond and garden area. The porch features two marble columns and is adorned with remarkable artistic details, adding to the grandeur of Narenjestan Qavam.
Within Narenjestan Qavam Garden, visitors can also explore a museum housing artifacts obtained from the excavations and research expeditions of Professor Pope, an American Iranologist. In addition to reveling in the garden’s spectacular atmosphere and the grandeur of the mansion, visitors can delve into the antique treasures showcased in this museum.
2. AfifAbad Garden
While sightseeing in Shiraz, prioritizing a visit to a plethora of Iranian gardens is essential to embark on a journey to paradise. Afif Abad Garden stands out as another imperative destination in Shiraz, celebrated as a masterpiece in the art of flower arrangement within Iranian garden design.
Afifabad ranks among the oldest gardens in Shiraz, dating back to the era of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar. The architecture of this two-story building harmoniously blends Achaemenid, Sassanid, and Qajar styles. Resembling the Eram Garden building in Shiraz, Afifabad features a spacious porch adorned with stone columns overlooking a rectangular pond within the garden.
Distinctive Iranian architectural embellishments and wooden doors characterize the visual allure of Afifabad Garden Mansion in Shiraz. Presently serving as a military museum, this garden offers visitors the opportunity to delve into Iran’s military industry history following a delightful exploration of the garden’s vibrant natural scenery.
To access the garden, one must pass through the wooden entrance door and hallway. Upon entering Afifabad garden, visitors are greeted by a sizable rectangular pond, towering trees, and an array of colorful flowers. Within Afifabad garden, the artistry of traditional Iranian garden design shines through in the meticulous arrangement of flowers, amidst a verdant backdrop featuring willow, cedar, pine, plantain, orange, and other tree species.
3. Delgosha Garden
Delgosha Garden stands as one of the oldest paradisiacal gardens in Shiraz, nestled within the Saadiyeh neighborhood. Flowing from the aqueduct of Saadi’s tomb, famously known as the “Gazaren” aqueduct spring, water also graces Delgosha Garden, bestowing upon it a verdant allure.
Amidst the fragrant blooms and vibrant hues of flowers and plants, a magnificent three-story mansion stands as a focal point, marking the first Kolafarangi building in Iran. The garden boasts an array of trees including walnut, orange, cypress, and pine, enhancing its natural beauty.
Embarking on an adventure in Delgosha commences by passing through its main southern entrance. Spring emerges as the optimal season to explore Delgosha Garden, as it transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors with the blossoming of various trees, resembling a paradise.
Upon entry, visitors are greeted by the octagonal pond, creating a serene ambiance amidst mature trees and water features, guiding them toward the heart of the garden. Similar to many Iranian gardens, the main building occupies a central position within the collection, surrounded by Chaharbagh design featuring four streets adorned with flowers, plants, and water streams extending in the four cardinal directions.
The Kolafrangi Mansion within Delgosha Garden stands as an architectural marvel among Shiraz’s sightseeing destinations. Adorned with intricate arts such as mirror work, plastering, painting, and inlaying on wooden doors, this luxurious mansion captivates visitors. The grand hall, boasting four thrones, serves as the crown jewel of Delgosha Garden, beautifully adorned and adding to its splendor.
4. Pars Museum
Bagh Nazar, also known as the Pars Museum, stands out as a must-visit destination in Shiraz, boasting historical significance dating back to the Zand and Karim Khan Zand eras. Like all Iranian gardens, Nazar Garden enchants visitors with its rows of towering trees and blooming flowers, while a central pond and fountain add to its allure.
Nestled within Bagh Nazar is the oldest museum in Fars province, aptly named the “Museum of Pars.” This octagonal building, commissioned by Karim Khan Zand, once hosted ceremonial events for visiting representatives of other countries, earning its status as one of Shiraz’s most important landmarks.
For over 80 years, the Pars Museum has showcased a diverse collection of artifacts including ancient coins, seals, metal objects, pottery, and more, offering visitors a glimpse into various historical periods from prehistoric times to the present day.
Throughout history, Nazar Garden has been known by different names such as Government Garden, Vakil’s Tomb, Prince’s Garden, and Museum Garden, each reflecting its significance in different historical contexts. The Kolah Farangi Bagh building features an octagonal design, adorned with elements reminiscent of old mansions, including the royal palace’s earring room. Brick decorations, tiling, painting, and moqrans embellish the mansion’s halls, showcasing various artistic forms.
A notable and intriguing feature of this garden is the Vakil Abad tomb, serving as the eternal resting place of Karim Khan Zand. His tomb, marked by a marble tombstone, bears witness to his tumultuous fate during the reign of Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar. By Agha Mohammad Khan’s decree, Karim Khan Zand’s remains were brought to Golestan Palace, the Qajar Shah’s residence, and placed on the palace stairs, where they were trampled daily by the Shah.
5. Eram Garden
Eram Garden stands as a must-visit destination in Shiraz, representing a unique example of Iranian garden architecture, and proudly holds a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The lush greenery of Shiraz’s trees and the architectural splendor of the main building define the essence of Shiraz Eram Garden. Upon stepping into the enchanting realm of Eram Garden, visitors are instantly captivated by its ethereal beauty, reminiscent of a dreamlike oasis. The pathways winding through Eram Garden, much like other verdant gardens in Shiraz, exude a heavenly ambiance.
A leisurely stroll through Eram Garden unveils a plethora of emotions, accompanied by the intoxicating fragrance of roses. The pathways stretch from west to east and from north to south, leading visitors to the focal point of the garden—a grand pool flanked by the striking main building of the complex.
The main structure of Bagh Eram stands as an architectural marvel, showcasing unparalleled elegance through its intricate tiling and seven-color facade. Modeled after the rich architectural traditions of the Zandiya and Safavid eras, this three-story building boasts captivating decorations, including tiling, plastering, painting, stone columns, and inlaid wooden doors.
The design and decorative elements of the Eram Garden building evoke echoes of the opulent Narenjestan Ghavam Garden mansion. Visitors are encouraged to explore the Sea of Noor Stone and Gem Museum housed within the main building of Bagh Eram, where a priceless collection of precious stones awaits, adding to the allure of one of Shiraz’s most exquisite locales.
6. Khwaju Kermani Tomb
Close to the Qur’an Gate of Shiraz lies the tomb of Khwaju Kermani, a renowned Iranian poet. Situated at the base of Shiraz’s Sabavi Mountain and nestled within a lush garden, this mausoleum bears the name of the esteemed poet.
Inside the tomb of Khwaju Kermani, visitors encounter a tombstone adorned with two short stone pillars positioned above and below it. Additionally, a stone statue of the poet graces the mausoleum, enhancing the beauty of the garden. Among the other attractions within Khwaju Park are the nearby caves, adding to the site’s allure.
7. Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
Colored glass and vibrant tiles have rendered Nasir al-Molk Mosque one of the most distinctive mosques in Iran, attracting a steady stream of domestic and foreign tourists each year. The incorporation of pink hues adds a special allure to the intricate tiling of this mosque, earning it the moniker of the “Pink Mosque” of Iran.
Situated in the historic neighborhood of Gud Araban, Nasir al-Molk Mosque follows the traditional architectural style of Iran, guiding visitors through a vestibule and corridor into its courtyard. However, what sets this mosque apart is its nave, adorned with a mesmerizing display of colored glass, vibrant tiles, and exquisite moqran work.
One of the distinctive characteristics of the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque is the absence of a dome. Additionally, the mosque features northern and southern arches, each with its own unique elements. The southern arch houses the garland, while the northern arch, also known as the pearl arch, showcases the splendor of tiling and moqrans artistry. Among the sights of Shiraz, the Pink Mosque stands out as a prime subject for photography, offering an excellent opportunity for visitors to showcase their photography skills.
8. Tomb of Hafez
Hafez undeniably holds the esteemed position of being Iran’s most influential poet, earning high praise from notable figures such as the German luminaries Goethe and Nietzsche.
Hafez’s birthplace is Shiraz, a city intrinsically tied to the legacy of this great Iranian poet. Hafiziya, also known as Hafez’s tomb, stands as the final resting place of this revered literary figure, completing the experience of exploring the sights of Shiraz. Over the years, Hafez’s tomb has undergone numerous changes and restorations, with the current structure dating back to the Pahlavi era and designed by the French architect and archaeologist Andre Godard.
The Hafiziya complex comprises two distinct sections, the north and the south, delineated by a central hall—a spacious porch adorned with twenty exquisite stone columns and flanked by rows of sweeping stairs. The domed structure housing Hafez’s tomb, supported by eight columns, is situated in the northern part of the complex.
9. Saadi Tomb
Shiraz, renowned as the city of literary poetry, serves as the eternal home to yet another esteemed poet of the Pars land. A visit to Saadiyeh, the tomb of master saadi, imbues a sense of tranquility and serenity. This magnificent mausoleum, designed by Mohsen Foroughi, draws inspiration from the distinct Iranian architectural style. Its strategic location near Delgosha Garden adds to its appeal.
The tomb’s structure comprises two intersecting porches, with a grand staircase adorning the front. The striking turquoise dome of Sadia captivates the gaze of every visitor, while the use of marble in the interior enhances the building’s beauty. Supported by eight columns, Sadia is adorned with exquisite tile work, adding to its allure.
10. karim khan Citadel
The Karim Khan Citadel (Also know as arg of karim khan) stands as one of Shiraz’s most significant historical monuments, a testament to the exquisite architecture of the Zand period. This majestic structure, once the royal residence during the Zand dynasty, now holds a revered place among the nation’s list of heritage sites. Located prominently in the northeast of Shahada Square, the citadel’s towering walls and robust towers serve as a living chronicle of Shiraz’s history from the Zand era.
A remarkable feature of the Karim Khan Citadel’s architecture lies in its fusion of residential and military elements. While sections such as porches, rooms, gardens, and water features evoke the ambiance of a residential complex, the presence of four imposing guard towers positioned at each corner of the citadel, alongside the formidable brick walls encircling the structure, underscore its military significance.