Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Shiraz, Iran

Mausoleum of Hafez

This is the resting place of Hafez, the famous Iranian poet of 14th century who some consider him as the most loved and respected poet in the Persian literature. He is considered as the master of the ghazal (short, rhyming poem). His tomb resides in a beautiful garden in Shiraz; this place is not just a tourist attraction, it is also a site of pilgrimage for his admirers. You can find your English translation which is easily found around the place.

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Tomb of Sa’di

This is the resting place of Sa’di, The 13^th century poet and an important precursor to Hafez. His wonderful literary works in prose and poetry has attracted many Persian speaking people throughout the world. Many of his pithy maxims have attained a proverbial status, and he is widely praised for the enduring simplicity of his verse. His tomb resides in beautiful gardens of evergreens, bitter orange and roses, a tranquil spot that makes a pleasing respite from the noises of the city.

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Persepolis

Persepolis (Takht-e Jamshid in Persian), was the ceremonial capital of the ancient Achaemenid Empire, over 2500 years ago. The construction of this magnificent ceremonial palace started at the time of Darius the Great and continued to be expanded until the fall of Achaemenians. Persepolis is a UNESCO world heritage site and is located about 70 kilometers northeast of Shiraz. Visiting this place is a must, the impressive ruins require a good few hours to explore. There are also other nearby historical attractions including Naqsh-e Rostam with tombs of the Aechemenids kings, the Elamites bas-relief and Pasargadae which was the old capital of Cyrus the Great.

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Vakil Bazaar

The stunning Vakil Bazaar is Shiraz’s main market place and home to hundreds of shops and stalls. With labyrinth corridors, the bazaar is the place for buying rugs, spices, jewellery, and household goods. Stumbling across teahouses, courtyards, caravanserais, and the traditional bathhouse. This structure was built by the order of Karim Khan to make Shiraz into a great trading centre. The wide vaulted brick avenues and the vaulted arched ceilings are masterpieces of 18^th century Zand architecture. The design of the Bazaar ensures the interior to remain cool in summer and warm in winter.

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Eram Garden

Shiraz is reputed for its cultivation of fine gardens, Eram is arguably the most perfect one. There are beautiful cypress trees, trimmed hedges, and rosebushes in the area. At the centre of the garden is a small pool and an impressive Qajar-era palace. The garden itself is much older than the palace, dating back to Seljuk period. Eram is a botanic garden under University of Shiraz.

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Nasir ol-Molk Mosque

The Nasir ol-Mulk Mosque which is also called the Pink Mosque, is one of Shiraz’s most famous buildings. This Qajar-era mosque was built from 1876 to 1886. It is reputed for its delightfully colorful interiors: the stained-glass windows, intricately painted tiles and arches. This mosque has a stunning decoration, especially at its columned prayer hall where light comes through stain glass windows. There are also innumerable Persian carpets creating an astounding, multicolored aesthetic. Each angle of Nasir ol-Mulk Mosque is uniquely photogenic.

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Shah-e Cheragh

The Shah-e Cheragh (King of Light in Persian) mausoleum is the resting place of two of the martyred brothers of Imam Reza, the 8^th Imam of Shiites. The burial site has been significantly developed since the Qajar era till today. Shah-e Cheragh is the largest shrine compound in Shiraz. There is a fountain at the centre of the main courtyard. The features of the shrine are characteristically Iranian, complex and detailed blue tile work and an impressive mirrored interior, making it one of the most beautiful mosques in Shiraz.

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Citadel of Karim Khan

This citadel (Arg in Persian) was built in the early Zand period. This magnificent fortress has high walls featuring ornamental brickwork and four stunning 14m-high circular towers. The architecture of the Arg combines military and residential features. Inside the Arg is a large, open courtyard with citrus trees and a pool. This place also has a museum of the Zand period, with wax figures in traditional dress.

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Vakil Mosque

The mosque was built by the order of Karimkhan e Zand, in the 18^th century. This place has a beautiful tiled portal, with an entrance decorated with Shirazi rose-pink tiles, two magnificent iwans, a vast inner courtyard surrounded by beautifully tiled alcoves and porches, and a stunning vaulted prayer hall. This mosque is reputed for its 48 diagonally fluted columns that support the prayer hall, creating a mesmerizing rhythm of verticals and arabesques.