Do you know Shiraz Best Tourist Attractions. Shiraz is on one the most wonderful and historical cities in Iran, famous for archaeological sites, poetry, love and literature. This is where my parents were born and raised and I had a chance to explore it in depth. There are so many things to do and places to visit in Shiraz. Below I will be listing some the most famous attractions to put it on your list when you visit Shiraz. No wonder why Shiraz is called the cultural capital of Iran.This is what Tara Moayedi’s travel guide to Shiraz Best Tourist Attractions.
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Shiraz Best Tourist Attractions
Persepolis
The first and the most important tourist attraction in Shiraz and even in Iran is Persepolis. One of the great wonders of the ancient world. Persepolis is the Greek name for “Ancient City of Persia”, also known as Takht-e Jamshid, was registered on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979. Darius the 1st the great during the 6th century BC, founded this place ceremonial capital of Achaemenid dynasty.
Persepolis location is 45 miles (60km) north of Shiraz. The first things comes to your mind, when visiting this place is, how on earth they built this place without the modern tools and technology.
This place is a true wonder. You definitely need a travel guide to explain so many details of this place. That’s why I list Persepolis the first attraction in “Shiraz Best Tourist Attractions”.
Pasargadae
Pasargadae is another precious archeological site, also on UNESCO heritage list. and would be the shame if not on top of my list of “Shiraz Best Tourist Attractions”. Its location is 85 miles (135 km) north of Shiraz. Pasargadae was the first capital of Persian empire during Achaemenid dynasty, founded by Cyrus II the great. The most important part of this magnificent site is the mausoleum of Cyrus.
Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque
The beautiful and magnificent mosque also known as “Pink Mosque”, was founded by one of the Qajar rulers in Shiraz in 1876. Best known as Pink Mosque. Arrays of rainbow colors from morning sunlight through stained glass windows and beautiful tile work and hand-woven Persian carpet covered floor, makes it a memorable experience that you do not want to miss.
Shah-Cheragh Shrine
Shah-Cheragh Holly Shrine is a magnificent funerary monument and mosque. This building was built in 12th century and through time has been developing. The architecture, the mirror work and tile work are something that you cannot find anywhere else. The mirror work is just astonishing. This place is located in the heart of the city and very close to the other tourist attractions in Shiraz.
Vakil Bazaar
Another set of historic and attractions from Zand ruling period are Vakil Bazaar, Vakil Bath and Vakil Mosque. Each is unique in a way and all from walking distance of each other. The Vakil Complex sites are definitely worth of be on my “Shiraz Tourist Attractions” list.
Construction of Vakil bazaar goes back to 11th century, to make Shiraz into a prominent trading center. A beautiful architecture, colorful and attractive atmosphere, with shops selling spices, rugs, antiques, persian seats and handmade copper pieces and much more.
A gorgeous vaulted brick ceiling which regulates the temperature throughout the year, which stays warm in winter and cool in summer.
Moshir Arcade is another special area adjacent to Vakil Bazaar which is definitely a must see. Moshir Arcade is more than 250 years old, has been serving as museum, restaurant and residential place in history but definitely the place for art, handcraft, persian hand made crafts in the past 100 years.
Karim Khan Citadel
Historical fortress, famous for its circular brick towers at the corners, home of Karim khan, one of the rulers about 300 years ago and used to be a prison during Pahlavi. One of the so called: Arg Complex visiting sites whiten the walking distances of each other.
Quran Gate
At the entrance of Shiraz city from north, a gate was built about 1000 years ago and Karim Khan Zand build a small room on top of it containing a very large and heavy Quran.
Quran Gate was destroyed in 1938 by road construction, but it was restored about ten years later. The view of the city, a recreational park build into the mountain makes this place unique to visit, specially around dusk and evening.
Hafez Tomb : Hafezieh
The most famous poet in Iran is Hafez, born and lived in shiraz more than 700 years ago. He is the master of poetry. His mausoleum and the garden around it, has a spectacular atmosphere of peace, calmness. Several rectangular pools, flower beds and orange trees makes it special. The place is located north of Shiraz, is one of the few places that not all the visitors from all over the world want to visit, but even the locals go there frequently.
Hafez is known for his extraordinary poems, you know why? Because every person, with any thought and intension, if opens his poetry book, immediately will get a relative response and meaning from Hafez. You will find at least a copy of his poetry book in every single home in Iran. Hafez never left shiraz and lived there until he died.
Sa’di Tomb: Sadie
One of the greatest figures in classical persian literature is Sa’di. Sa’di lived about 800 years ago, a famous keen world traveller. When he came back from his travels, he released his masterpieces in literature and poetry.
Bustan (The orchard) is in verse, including standard virtues of cultures, behavior of people and government is one of his books.
Gulistan (Flower garden), is in prose, mostly stories, aphorism and advices.
Eram Garden
This beautiful historic garden has a building of an old pavilion inside. This place has been mentioned several times in Hafez’s poetry. This place was registered in UNESCO heritage list as a symbol of Persian gardens. The garden has been transformed into a botanical garden from species from all over the world. Both the garden and the building was built around 150 years ago.
The beauty of the building architecture, combined with the pool and the garden around it, makes a special place to visit and enjoy the romantic sense in this phenomenon place.
Shapouri House
Another historic and beautiful place to see in Shiraz is Shapouri House. It was build in early 20th century. Some of the invaluable features of Shapouri House are the western (major) façade decorations, circular and designed gypeseous columns, tilings with Achaemenids designs on the upper porch.
Visiting this monument is free for the public and there is a restaurant, café and an exhibition of cultural and art works of Fars Province.
Maharloo Lake
Maharloo lake, also called Pink Lake is a seasonal salt lake located less than 15 miles (25 km) southeast of Shiraz. For years, they use the water of this lake to extract salt.
migrating birds in winter also love this place. During high evaporation rates in summer and salt concentration, and as a result of the red tide within the lake, the lake turns pink and by end of summer, the lake water gets evaporated completely and white lake bed is exposed.
If you happen to see this Pink Lake, it will be a highlight on your list of “Shiraz Best Tourist Attractions”
Virtual Tour of Shiraz Best Tourist Attractions
Maharloo lake, also called Pink Lake is a seasonal salt lake located less than 15 miles (25 km) southeast of Shiraz. For years, they use the water of this lake to extract salt.
migrating birds in winter also love this place. During high evaporation rates in summer and salt concentration, and as a result of the red tide within the lake, the lake turns pink and by end of summer, the lake water gets evaporated completely and white lake bed is exposed.
If you happen to see this Pink Lake, it will be a highlight on your list of “Shiraz Best Tourist Attractions”
