Situated in a plain surrounded by two mountain ranges offering a mild climate and magnificently impressive gardens to this city, Shiraz, is one of Iran’s oldest cities and the fourth biggest in the country. It was the capital of Persia during the rule of Zand dynasty and hosts few interesting historical sites.
The provincial capital of Fars, known as the cultural capital of Iran, is the heart of Iran’s history and a center of the rich Persian literary heritage. Shiraz has been a cradle of civilization and art for many centuries. some famous philosophers, thinkers and poets produced their masterpieces in this beautiful city. Shiraz is known as the city of flowers and nightingales, as well as the “City of roses and poets“, referring to its beautiful Persian gardens and two very famous poets; Sa’di and Hafez. There are quite a few beautiful mosques and other historical buildings showing the fantastic architecture, tile works and mirror works of Zand and Qajar era.

 

Shiraz Eram Garden, Pavilion Facade

 

What to see in Shiraz?

Shiraz is the city of poetry and perfume. In addition to city’s beautiful gardens and monuments, Persepolis, one of the world’s largest and most famous monuments is located nearby. This city with all its urban and historical features is a popular destination for domestic and foreign tourists specially In May, when Shiraz becomes an earthly paradise with its spring blossoms. In addition to all the attractions of this city, Shirazi people are also among the factors that make tourists interested in traveling to this place – nice, cheerful and hospitable.
Before visiting this city, read more about the sights of Shiraz and the attractions of the city.

 

1

Eram Garden 

Although the exact date of its construction is unknown, many stories about Eram Garden of Shiraz have been written in travelogues of western travelers who passed by Shiraz in 17th and 18th Centuries. According to authentic historical documents, the garden was built during the Seljuk Era following the order of Sultan Sanjar, but this was not the end, and in later centuries, Shiraz rulers restored various parts of it.

In Qajar era (19th C) during the reign of Nasser al-Din Shah, the garden became part of the royal estate and was given to the rulers of Shiraz, therefore a new mansion was designed and founded by Hussein Ali Khan Nasir al-Molk.
Two unique features of the Eram Garden of Shiraz are the variety of vegetation and the architecture employed in construction of Mansion which follows a complex of different styles such as Achamenid pillar capitals, Zand architecture and Qajar external tile work decorations.

 

Read – Persian Gardens

 Interior of Nasir-Al Mulk Mosque with pink tiles

 

2

Nasir al Mulk Mosque

Nasir-Al Mulk Mosque is one of the most colorful mosques of Iran with an amazing tile work and architecture typical from the Qajar era and extensive colored glass work in its decoration. The mosque was built in 1888 by Nasir al Mulk a famous Qajar prince.

Nasir Al-Molk Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Iran in terms of tiling and Muqarnas. The mosque has a large courtyard that is located on the north side. The entrance has a large arched façade decorated with colorful tiles. The mosque has two naves, east and west.

The use of stained glass in the interior design of Iranian architecture as well as in windows has been common. But using this unique beauty in construction of a mosque adds a lot to its beauty.

 

Tomb of Hafiz, Shiraz, Iran

 

3

Tomb of Hafez

The famous poet Hafez (14th century) is buried in Shiraz. The Tomb of Hafez or Hafezieh consisting of an open pavilion structure and a columned hall is situated in the Musalla Gardens on the north bank of a seasonal river and house the marble tomb of Hafez. The present buildings, built in 1935 and designed by the French architect and archaeologist André Godard, are at the site of previous structures built in 18th century. The tomb, its gardens, and the surrounding memorials to other great figures are a focus of tourism in Shiraz.

 

Read – Hafez and Sufism

 

 

4

Tomb of Sa’di

The famous poet Saadi’s (Sadi, Sa-di) Mausoleum. Marble tomb dates from 1860s, an octagonal shaped building, walls inscribed with Saadi’s poems in tile. Saadi, the poet and mystic of 13th century AD, is recognized not only for the quality of his writing, but also for the depth of his social thoughts. The following poem of Saadi is inscribed at the entrance to the Hall of Nations of the UN building in New York:


Of One Essence is the Human Race,

Thusly has Creation put the Base

One Limb impacted is sufficient,

For all Others to feel the Mace

The Unconcerned with Others’ Plight

Are but Brutes with Human Face.

 

5

Narenjestan Garden

Built between 1879-1886, Naranjestan Garden was the residence of governor of Fars province in Qajar period (19th century) . It significantly represents Iranian Architecture during Qajar era. Since 1998, the complex has been used by the faculty of Art and Architecture of Shiraz University.

 Leaning Tower of Shiraz Karim Khan Citadel

 

6

Karim Khan Citadel (Arg)

Karim Khan Citadel  also known as Arg-e Karim Khani is a rectangular castle built in central Shiraz , in 18 th century , during the reign of Karim Khan Zand, who used it as his main residence. It has four circular watch towers at its corners. Inside the Arg, there are different buildings, the north building was used in winter, the south building for summer use, and west building was four all seasons. Outside of the building has simple presentation but on the contrary, inside the rooms used to have beautiful decorations , mostly gone after an arson happened in 20th  century.

 

Read – Karim Khan Citadel

 

Shiraz Travel Guide

 

Karim Khan Zand
According to historians, Karim Khan Zand is considered one of the most intelligent kings of Iran. He cleverly called himself Vakil o Ro’aya meaning the “lawyer of the people” and took considerable measures to maintain the unity of the feudal communities and the tribal system of the Iranian army. A glimpse of the wars he waged and the military victories he won during his reign stemmed from the vigilance of a man who never allowed his military commanders to abuse the victories. He ruled most parts of Iran for almost 30 years (1751-1779 AD) but in the end, his illness and death allowed the insurgents and mutineers to make the whole country insecure with heavy bloodshed.

 

7

Vakil Bazaar and Vakil Mosque

It is a traditional bazaar built by Karim Khan (Vakil) in 18th century. Vakil Bazaar of Shiraz comprises arched alcoves with wide platforms in between, and seventy-four high and well-proportioned arches sustaining the roof, and there is a high domed crossing, where the east and west bazaars diverge from the main bazaar. Vakil Bazaar is ranked among the most colorful bazaars in the middle east.

Read – Best Bazaars in Iran 

 

8

Vakil Bath

From the reign of Karim Khan Zand, beautiful works and monuments have been left in Shiraz. One of these masterpieces is called Vakil Bath (Hammam-e Vakil), which has an area of 11,000 square meters, 8660 meters of infrastructure, 120 meters long and 80 meters wide. It was built by Karim Khan Zand in the Darb-e Shahzadeh neighborhood, now Taleghani Street. This Persian Hammam  is in the form of a cube and its entrance is located on the north side. The north façade of the bath overlooked the play area, which was later demolished and replaced by a short street. Vakil Bath is very valuable in terms of architecture and aesthetics and has now been turned into a carpet museum by the Cultural Heritage Organization of Fars Province.

 

Iranian Hamam Shiraz Vakil Bath, Shiraz, Iran 

 

9

Afif Abad Garden & Weapon Museum

A former palace built in 1863,  which is currently housing the Weapon museum. Originally Golshan Garden, constructed at the request of Mohammed Khan Qavamol-Molk about two hundred years ago. The current main building was constructed by Mirza Ali Mohammadkhan Ghawam II in 1863. After his death the garden was eventually inherited by a lady called Afifeh, thus being called Afif Abad.

 

10

Quran Gate

The Quran Gate of Shiraz, locally known as Darvazeh Ghor-an, is the ancient gated entrance to Shiraz from the north. Zand king, Karim Khan added a room at the top of the gateway to house a holy Quran so travelers leaving the city, passed under the Quran to be blessed for a safe trip! The complex also includes tomb of Khaju-ye Kermani, teacher of Hafez and a court poet contemporary to Sa-di. The view of Shiraz is breathtaking from this spot!

 

Read – Quran Gate, the symbol of Shiraz 

 

Quran Gate, Shiraz, Iran Quran Gate, Shiraz, Iran 

 

11

Persepolis 

Persepolis, also known as Parseh, is a mirror of the ancient history and culture of Iran, which was commissioned by Darius the Great in 518 BC. with an area of about 125,000 square meters, as one of the architectural masterpieces of the world, Persepolis is in fact the peak of elegance and creativity of Iranian art in using the culture of different nations such as Egyptians, Babylonians, Greeks, Medes and Armenians. Darius’s purpose in building this building was to build a capital in his empire that was unparalleled, and for this purpose, he chose the vast plain of Marvdasht with its ancient historical background.

 

Read – the Persepolis Ultimate Guide

 

the ancient city of Parseh Persepolis Ruins, Marvdasht, Iran 

 

 

12

Naqsh-e Rosatm 

Darius the great decided that the tombs of the Achamenid emperors had to lie a few miles from Persepolis, and he chose the cliff site of Naqsh-e Rostam (also Naqsh-i Rostam) where some old Elamite carvings already stood as the home of the large tombs hewn out of the vertical rock face. Instead of creating a mausoleum in the form of a house like that of Cyrus the Great at the nearby ancient site of Pasargadae, here the architectural formula was totally changed with the realization of colossal tombs cut directly out of the mountain face and visible from a great distance.

 

Read – Naqsh-e Rostam: Ultimate Guide

 

Naqsh-e RostamNaqsh-e Rostam, Marvdasht, Iran 

 


What to eat in Shiraz?

One of the main features of Shiraz is its local Persian cuisine and sweets. Shiraz offers numerous cultural attractions but the traditional dishes of this region also can be an option to fall in with Iranian traditions and customs. If you travel to Shiraz or other cities in Fars province, be sure to try the special dishes of this region. Shiraz has many different kinds of local dishes that you shouldn’t miss.
It’s hard to believe how much Shirazi people are professional in cocking different colorful POLOWs! Polow means Persian rice mixed with other ingredients such as herbs, meat or chicken. Here is a list of some of the best dishes of Shiraz:

 

Kalam Polow 

The most famous dish of Shiraz is Kalam polow (cabbage pilaf), which of course is different from a dish with the same name cooked in other cities of Iran. Apart from cabbage, fragrant vegetables, meat and spices are used in the preparation of this food. Be sure to eat Shirazi Kalam Polow salad to enjoy its taste more.

What is Polow, Pilaf, Pilau?
Persian term Polow (Pilaf or Pilau) means cooked rice mixed with meat or vegetables or beans or chicken. Persian plow with the old pronunciation of [pilau,pilaw] entered the Turkish language [pilav] during the Ottoman period and from there it has spread to European languages such as English [pilaf]. The word [pirafu] is now used as a Middle Eastern food in Japan

Aush-e-Sabzi (vegetable soup)

Shiraz has many different kinds of Aush. Aush, ash, aash, or āsh, is a thick vegetable soup which is also found in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Caucasian, and Turkish cuisine. In Iran there are different types of Aush that are common in the whole country, but the Shirazi Aush-e-Sabzi is unique to Fars province and is a breakfast meal. You can find many food shops that sell Aush-e- Sabzi. It’s interesting to know that Shirazi people eat Ash for breakfast.

Koofteh Shirazi (Koofte hulu)

Koofteh or Kofta is a family of meatball dishes. Koofteh Shirazi locally known as Kofta Hulu is one of the traditional dishes of Shiraz and is prepared in such a way that the minced meat is grated with chickpea flour, eggs and onions and mixed with turmeric and salt and kneaded well. Then they chop two large onions, fry them and finally pour the raisins on it and fry a little. sometimes they add Pomegranate paste. This food is like a meatball containing all above-mentioned ingredients. Don’t forget to taste this delicious food during your trip to Shiraz!

 

Shiraz Food Iranian Cuisine Left: Kalam Polow | Middle: Aush -e-Sabzi | Right: Koofteh Hulu | Shiraz, Iran 

Faloodeh Shirazi 

Something that shouldn’t be missed while you are in Shiraz, is Faloodeh (also spelled Paloodeh), an Iranian cold dessert originated in what is now the modern city of Shiraz (a different type also found in Kerman).

It’s completely different from western-style ice cream or other types of icy deserts, though it does have some features in common with sorbet. Sold in ice cream stores and coffee shops of Shiraz, Faloodeh is made of ingredients such as thin vermicelli-sized noodles made from starch in a semi-frozen syrup containing sugar, rose water, lime juice, or other fruit syrups; It’s an incredible frozen dessert unlike anything else you’ve ever tasted!

 

Faloodeh Shirazi

 

 

Where to stay in Shiraz ?

Shiraz is one of the most populous and largest cities in Iran and the capital of Iranian culture and civilization. This spectacular city with a temperate climate is located in the southeast of Iran and due to its many historical, cultural, religious and natural attractions, it attracts many travelers all year round. Shiraz is one of the busiest cities in terms of tourism, therefore there are many hotels, hostels, residences and other types of accommodation.

Shiraz Hotels 

Shiraz has a total of 71 hotels, of which 6 are 5-star, 15 are 4-star, 22 are 3-star, 15 are 2-star and 13 are 1-star.There are also other types of accommodation rather than hotels; such as hostels, apartment hotels and residences. Here is a list of top hotel choices in Shiraz: