about
Shiraz
The historic and hub of ancient Persia , called the city of gardens and Literature and the origin of first samples of Persian gardens is the unique example of hospitality and warmness of its people and bears many historical and ancient attractions and old cities of Persian Empire showing the glory of a nation such as Persepolis and Necropolis ,Pasargadae UNESCO World Heritage list)and Three historical monuments of Sassanid dynasty era (UNESCO World Heritage list).
. You can completely feel the highlights of the cultural city of Shiraz if you travel to this nice city during spring season when the air has filled up with perfume of flowers, specially orange tree blooms. Secondly, you should really pay a visit to its marvelously attractive gardens which are numerous and extraordinarily beautiful , eye catching and world heritage sites. Thirdly, you will have an Unbelievable experience after visiting the fabulous religious sites of this city which are painted colorfully and make the people who visit the places mesmerized by the play of colors which are mostly peacefull and spiritual. Finally, the fabulous architecture of these attractions is what really fascinates every visitor especially the ones who study architecture and architectural styles professionally both in terms of Ancient and historical architecture and also modern architectural styles
Shiraz land marks/handicrafts
Bagh-e Naranjestan
Named after the bitter oranges that line the central courtyard, this is Shiraz’s smallest but most lovely garden. Enclosing the delightful Naranjestan-e Ghavam Pavilion it was laid out as part of a complex owned by one of Shiraz’s wealthiest Qajar-era families. The pavilion’s mirrored entrance hall opens onto rooms covered in a myriad of intricate tiles, inlaid wooden panels and stained-glass windows. Particularly noteworthy are the ceilings of the upstairs rooms, painted with European-style motifs, including Alpine churches and busty German frauleins.
Masjed-e Nasir Al Molk
One of the most elegant and most photographed pieces of architecture in southern Iran, the Pink Mosque was built at the end of the 19th century and its coloured tiling (an unusually deep shade of blue) is exquisite. There are some particularly fine muqarnas in the small outer portal and in the northern iwan, but it is the stained glass, carved pillars and polychrome faience of the winter prayer hall that dazzle the eye when the sun streams in.
Bagh-e Nazar
This formal garden encompasses an octagonal pavilion, which is now home to the Pars Museum. Karim Khan once received foreign dignitaries in the pavilion, which, with its stunning stalactite ceiling and delightful murals of lovers courting, scholars reading and horsemen hunting, is a highlight in its own right. Exhibits include Karim Khan Zand’s sword and some interesting old ceramics.
Pars Museum
The tiny but beautiful pavilion housing this museum is as much of an attraction as the fine collection showcased therein. Aramgah-e Shah-e Cheragh Sayyed Mir Ahmad, one of Imam Reza’s 17 brothers, was hunted down and killed by the caliphate on this site in AD 835 and his remains are housed in a dazzling shrine of mirrored tiles. A mausoleum was first erected over the tomb during the 12th century, but the courtyard and tile work represent relatively modern embellishments from the late-Qajar period and the Islamic Republic. The blue-tiled dome and dazzling gold-tipped minarets form a magnificent context for the Shiite rituals at this revered centre of pilgrimage.
Aramgah-e Hafez
There is no better place to understand Hafez’s place in the nation’s psyche than at his tomb and the memorial garden within which it is set. Iranians have a saying that every home must have two things: first the Quran, then a collection of the works of Hafez. This 14th-century Iranian folk hero is loved and revered and almost every Iranian can quote his work, bending it to whichever social or political persuasion they subscribe.
Bazar-e Vakil
The city’s ancient trading district is home to several bazaars dating from different periods. The finest and most famous of these is the Bazar-e Vakil, a cruciform structure commissioned by Karim Khan as part of his plan to make Shiraz into a great trading centre. The wide vaulted brick avenues are masterpieces of Zand architecture, with the design ensuring the interior remains cool in summer and warm in winter. Today the bazaar is home to almost 200 stores selling carpets, handicrafts, spices and clothes. Bogh'e-ye Sayyed Mir Ali neb Hanze
Persepolis
One of the great wonders of the ancient world, Persepolis embodies not just a grand architectural scheme but also a grand idea. It was conceived by Darius the Great who, in 520 BC, inherited the responsibility for ruling the world's first known empire founded by his predecessor, Cyrus the Great. Embracing tenets such as cultural tolerance and fair treatment of all subjects, Darius sought to reflect these concepts in the design of the magnificent palace complex at Persepolis, inviting architects from the furthest corner of the Persian Empire to contribute to its construction. The result is an eclectic set of structures, including monumental staircases, exquisite reliefs and imposing gateways, that testified to the expanse of Darius' domain.
Tomb of Cyrus
Proud and alone on the Morghab Plain, the Tomb of Cyrus is the first of the monuments encountered on entering the site of Pasargadae. The tomb consists of a modest rectangular burial chamber perched on six tiered plinths. Its unique architecture is a totem of conquest, combining elements of all the major civilisations captured by Cyrus.
Pasargadae
Begun under Cyrus the Great in about 546 BC, Pasargadae developed into a city of some significance until it was superseded by Darius I’s magnificent palace at Persepolis. The key sights in this isolated plain are the Tomb of Cyrus, Darius' Garden and Cyrus' Private Palace. The whole site can be visited in a couple of hours – an hour less with private transport.
