Discover 11 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Shiraz (Iran). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Eram Garden, Tomb of Hafez, and Vakil Bazaar. Also, be sure to include Shah Cheragh in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Shiraz (Fars).
Table of Contents
Eram Garden
Also known as: باغ ارم
Paved, manicured gardens with palm trees. Eram Garden is a historic Persian garden in Shiraz, Iran. The garden, and the building within it, are located at the northern shore of the Khoshk River in the Fars province.[1]
Address: Eram St, Shiraz
Tomb of Hafez
Also known as: حافظیه
Iconic poet's tomb and memorial hall. The Tomb of Hafez, commonly known as Hāfezieh, are two memorial structures erected in the northern edge of Shiraz, Iran, in memory of the celebrated Persian poet Hafez. The open pavilion structures are 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, the best-known of which was built in 1773. The tomb, its gardens, and the surrounding memorials to other great figures are a focus of tourism in Shiraz.[2]
Address: Hafeziye Street, 71364 Shiraz
Vakil Bazaar
Also known as: بازار وکیل
Historical marketplace for various goods. Vakil Bazaar is the main bazaar of Shiraz, Iran, located in the historical center of the city.
It is thought that the market originally was established by the Buwayhids in the 11th century AD, and was completed mainly by the Atabaks of Fars, and was renamed after Karim Khan Zand only in the 18th century.
The bazaar has beautiful courtyards, caravansarais, bath houses, and old shops which are deemed among the best places in Shiraz to buy Persian rugs, spices, copper handicrafts and antiques.
Like other Middle Eastern bazaars, there are a few mosques and Imamzadehs constructed beside or behind the bazaar.[3]
Shah Cheragh
Also known as: شاهچراغ
Mosque. Shāh Chérāgh is a funerary monument and mosque in Shiraz, Iran, housing the tomb of the brothers Ahmad and Muhammad, sons of Mūsā al-Kādhim and brothers of ‘Alī ar-Ridhā. The two took refuge in the city during the Abbasid persecution of Shia Muslims. Shāh-é-Chérāgh is Persian for "King of the Light".[4]
Address: Hazrati St., Shiraz
Arg of Karim Khan
Also known as: ارگ کریمخان
Museum in an 18th-century citadel. The Arg of Karim Khan or Karim Khan Citadel, is a citadel located in downtown Shiraz, Iran. It was built as part of a complex during the Zand dynasty. It is named after Karim Khan, and served as his living quarters. It is rectangular in shape and resembles a medieval fortress.
In the past, the citadel was sometimes used as a prison. Today, it is a museum operated by Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization. A public park surrounds it.[5]
Address: Shohada Square, 71364 Shiraz
Tomb of Saadi
Also known as: سعدیه
Tourist attraction in Shiraz, Iran. The Tomb of Saadi, commonly known as Saadieh, is a tomb and mausoleum dedicated to the Persian poet Saadi in the Iranian city of Shiraz. Saadi was buried at the end of his life at a Khanqah at the current location. In the 13th century a tomb built for Saadi by Shams al-Din Juvayni, the vizir of Abaqa Khan. In the 17th century, this tomb was destroyed. During the reign of Karim Khan was built a mausoleum of two floors of brick and plaster, flanked by two rooms. The current building was built between 1950 and 1952 to a design by the architect Mohsen Foroughi and is inspired by the Chehel Sotoun with a fusion of old and new architectural elements. Around the tomb on the walls are seven verses of Saadi’s poems.[6]
Address: Bustan Blvd, 71364 Shiraz
Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
Also known as: مسجد نصیرالملک
Religious site known as the Pink Mosque. The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, also known as the Pink Mosque, is a traditional mosque in Shiraz, Iran. It is located near Shāh Chérāgh Mosque. It was built during Qajar dynasty rule of Iran.
The mosque includes extensive coloured glass in its facade, and displays other traditional elements such as the Panj Kāse ("five concaved") design.[7]
Address: Goade-e-Araban Place, 71364 Shiraz
Qavam House
Also known as: باغ نارنجستان قوام
Museum in Shiraz, Iran. Qavam House is a traditional and historical house and garden in Shiraz, Iran, built between 1879 and 1886. The building preserves the elegance and refinement enjoyed by the upper-class families during the 19th century. The paintings on the low ceilings of the house are inspired by Victorian-era Europe. The mirrored porch was a focal point of the house, overlooking a small garden that was designed with fountains, date palms, and flowering plants.
During the second Pahlavi era, the House became the headquarters of Pahlavi University's Asia Institute, directed by Arthur Upham Pope, and later Richard Nelson Frye. Frye and his family also lived in the house. The house and gardens are now a museum and are open to the public.[8]
Address: Lotf Ali Khan Zand street, 71364 Shiraz
Afif-Abad Garden
Also known as: باغ عفیفآباد
Museum. Afif-Abad Garden, originally the Gulshan Garden, is a museum complex in Shiraz, Iran.
in the affluent Afif-Abad district of Shiraz, the complex was constructed in 1863. It contains a former royal mansion, a historical weapons museum, and a Persian garden, all open to the public.[9]
Address: Afif Abad, 71364 Shiraz
Vakil Mosque
Also known as: مسجد وکیل
Historic mosque with elaborate tilework. The Vakil Mosque is a mosque in Shiraz, southern Iran, situated to the west of the Vakil Bazaar next to its entrance. This mosque was built between 1751 and 1773, during the Zand period; however, it was restored in the 19th century during the Qajar period. Vakil means regent, which was the title used by Karim Khan, the founder of Zand Dynasty. Shiraz was the seat of Karim Khan's government and he endowed many buildings, including this mosque.[10]
Address: Taleghani St., Shiraz
Pars Museum
Also known as: موزه پارس
Octagonal museum with Qurans and paintings. The Pars Museum is a museum in Shiraz, Fars Province, southern Iran. Founded in 1936 under Reza Shah Pahlavi, it is located in Nazar Garden.
The octagonal building was the place in which royal guests were hosted during the Zand dynasty of Iran. It was also used for holding official ceremonies.
It is also the burial place of Karim Khan Zand.[11]
Address: Zand Underpass, Shiraz