Things to do in Shiraz
ersepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, resides in the Marvdasht plains, surrounded by the Zagros mountains. Just 60 km southwest lies modern-day Shiraz, while the earliest traces of Persepolis date back to 515 BC.
Takht-e Jamshid, an archaeological marvel within the Iranian plateau, echoes the grandeur of the Persian Empire. The site features the renowned Apadana Palace, adorned with intricate reliefs portraying cultural diversity.
The smaller yet impressive Throne Hall showcases relief carvings of the king receiving tribute. The Treasury, or Harem of Xerxes, likely housed the empire’s wealth and precious offerings. This complex is a testament to Persian artistic and engineering excellence
Takht e Jamshid
asir-al-Mulk Mosque: The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, renowned as the Pink Mosque, stands as a captivating symbol of traditional Islamic architecture in Shiraz, Iran. Constructed during the Qajar dynasty, it boasts a distinctive facade adorned with vibrant colored glass and features the Panj Kāse design.
As one of Shiraz’s ancient gems, the Nasir-Ol Molk Mosque, also known as the Pink or Rainbow Mosque, unveils its true beauty as the morning sun transforms it into a mesmerizing kaleidoscope. The interplay of sunlight through mosaic windows paints the walls and carpets in a myriad of colors, creating a magical spectacle that fades with the passing hours—making an early morning visit a must.
Nasir al Molk Mosque
and Complex, constructed during the Zand dynasty (1751–1794) under the rule of Karim Khan, serves as a testament to the dynasty’s architectural prowess in Shiraz. Karim Khan, preferring the title of “Vakil” or representative of the people, left an enduring legacy reflected in the complex’s structures.
Key components of the Zand Complex encompass the Citadel, Vakil Bazaar, Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bath, and the Pavilion of the Nazar Garden. This historic ensemble, including renowned sites like Nasir al Molk Mosque, Eram Garden, Naranjestan, and Hafez’s mausoleum, stands as a focal point for tourists exploring the rich cultural heritage of Shiraz.
Zand Complex
āḡ-e Eram in Shiraz, originally established as the city residence of a Qašqāʾī chief, captivates with its lush gardens and historic significance. Situated one mile northwest of Shiraz, it potentially replaced the earlier Bāḡ-e Šāh from the Safavid era.
Praised by Forṣat Šīrāzī for its vibrant flowers, towering cypresses, and cascading watercourses, the garden’s fine mansion, attributed to Jānī Khan and later enhanced by Ḥājī Naṣīr-al-Molk, stands as a testament to architectural elegance. The inscription on the mansion, adorned with verses by poets like Faṣīḥ-al-Molk Šūrīda, bears witness to its cultural and historical richness, dating back to 1339/1921.
Bagh e Erum
omb of Hafez: Nestled in the tranquil Musalla Gardens in Shiraz, the Tomb of Hafez offers a poetic haven, honoring the 14th-century luminary hailed as Iran’s Shakespeare. Revered for his Divān, a literary masterpiece found in homes across the nation, Hafez remains a folk hero, drawing admirers to his tomb at sunset.
The pavilion, adorned with a mosaic-tiled dome, illuminates the night. Erected in 1935, it expands upon the 1773 original memorial. The marble tomb, engraved with verses, captures Hafez’s essence, and his profound impact on Persian literature endures, with his lyrical ghazals embodying the spiritual musings of a mystic enamored with the Beloved.
Tomb of Hafez
akil Complex: Chosen as the capital by Karim Khan Zand, Shiraz thrived for two decades under his rule, marked by peace and prosperity. The construction of formidable fences and castles ensured stability and security. Vakil Complex, initiated in 1758 and fully completed in 1777, is the heartbeat of the city.
The expansive Vakil Bazaar, covering 21,840 square meters, boasts Safavid-inspired architecture with brick, stucco, and lime materials. Resilient to earthquakes, its high ceilings, reaching 10 meters, house specialized departments like Glass Bazaar and Sword-Making Bazaar. The vibrant atmosphere, a hub for locals, sets Vakil Bazaar apart, offering an authentic shopping experience amid its beautiful architecture.
Vakil Bazar
aharloo Lake: Situated in the Fars province southeast of Shiraz, “Maharloo Lake” (Daryacheh-ye-Namak) spans 25,000 hectares, making it the 15th largest body of water in Iran. Fed by the Sultanabad and Roudkhaneh-Khosh rivers, the lake boasts a synclinal sediment, utilized for salt production.
Its geological history dates back 540 million years, revealing the biostructure from the Cambrian period to the Hormuz series of rocks. Despite facing environmental challenges such as drought and red algae, Maharloo Lake is home to diverse fauna, including flamingos, shelducks, and sandpipers.
Travelers can reach this marvel by driving approximately 20 km from Shiraz to Fasa, then continuing about 57 km on asphalt roads to the picturesque Maharloo village, with its Safavid-era roots and scenic orchards.
Maharloo Lake
eshkinfam Art Museum: Once the residence of Foruq-ol-Molk Ghavami, the Meshkinfam Art Museum in Shiraz, Iran, offers a visual arts haven. Constructed in 1931 during the early Pahlavi dynasty, this traditional Persian and Islamic architectural gem is nestled in the Sang-e Siah neighborhood.
Divided into outer (biruni) and inner (andaruni) sections, the museum features two courtyards, a main structure, a fountain, a bath, and a kitchen. It showcases diverse art forms like bas-relief, calligraphy, painting, photography, and more, including contributions from local artists.
The museum’s library is a repository of specialized books, magazines, audio-video archives, and documentaries, providing a rich cultural experience for visitors.
