Visit 7 Historical Monuments in Shiraz, Iran
1. Qur’an Gate
Qur'an Gate or Shiraz Gate is a historic gate in Shiraz, Iran. It is located at the northeastern entrance of the city, on the way to Marvdasht and Isfahan. The Gate was first built during the reign of 'Adud ad-Dawla by the time of the Zand dynasty, it had sustained a lot of damage, so it was restored and a small room on top was added, in which were kept hand-written Qur’āns by Sultan Ibrahim son of Shahrukh Gurekani. Travelers passing underneath the gates were believed to receive the blessing of the Holy Book as they began their trip or journey from Shiraz.
2. Pasargad
Pasargadae (Pasargad), the capital of Cyrus the Great (559-530 BC) and also the location of his tomb, is located near the city of Shiraz (in the county Pasargad) and is today an archaeological site and one of the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO in Iran. The most important monument in Pasargadae is the tomb of Cyrus the Great. It has six major steps leading to the tomb chamber measuring 3.17m long by 2.11m wide by 2.11m high and has a low and narrow entrance.
3. Persepolis
Persepolis palace, the most popular Iranian monument is a set of very magnificent palaces and the name of the spring ceremonial capital of the Great Achaemenid Empire. It has been the most important monument in old Iran in terms of scope and grandeur. Archaeological evidence shows that the earliest remains of Persepolis date back to 515 BC. Mellal gate is most important part of this site also known as the Gate of Xerxes, as the inscription says it was all nations gate. UNESCO declared the remains of Persepolis a World Heritage Site in 1979.
4. Naghsh-e-Rostam
Naghsh-e-Rostam is within a 6-kilometer distance to Persepolis in Shiraz. Naqsh-e Rostam is a site believed by archaeologists to have been a cemetery for Persepolis, where Achaemenid, Parthian and Sassanid royalty were laid to rest. These sites include: The stone carvings on the lower slopes (Sassanid), tombs of the Achaemenian Kings on the top of the hill and the square-shaped monument (Zoroastrian inscription) on the right side. This complex no doubt is a major tourist attraction site especially for those interested in archaeology and history. Engravings in Naghsh-e-Rostam have their special meanings. Elamite relics belong to 2000-600 B.C. Achaemenid relics belong to 330-600 B.C. Sassanid relics belong to 224-651 A.D.
5. The Tomb of Hafez
Hafez is a Persian poet. He was born in Shiraz, Iran. His poems are collected in Divan e Hafez. The Tomb of Hafez as Iranians call it Hafezieh, is located on the south of Quran Gate. This area is one of the most crowded parts of Shiraz. The tomb is hidden from the main street: a symbol of prison for Hafez’s mystical thoughts in the modern world. The southern part of Hafezieh is the symbol of the material world, we have to pass this part and approach toward skies (nine stairs to the tomb as it indicates the number of skies in Persian literature, and finally see the sun (the tomb itself).
6. The Tomb of Sa`adi
The Tomb of Saadi, commonly known as Sa`adieh is a tomb and mausoleum dedicated to the Persian poet Saadi in the Iranian city of Shiraz. Sa`di was buried at the end of his life at a Khanqah at the current location. In the 13th century a tomb built for Sa`adi by Shams al-Din Juvayni, the vizier of Abaqa Khan. In the 17th century, this tomb was destroyed. During the reign of Karim Khan Zand was built a mausoleum of two floors of brick and plaster, flanked by two rooms. The current building was built between 1950 and 1952.
7. Vakil Complex
Vakil was Karim Khan’s alias, a king from Zandid dynasty. He orders for construction of a complex consisting of a bathhouse, a mosque and a bazaar. The idea was that you should first wash yourself, then pray while clean, then proceed to do business.
Vakil Bath House
Vakil Bath is a flawless representation of architectural developments of Zand Dynasty and was built in the center of Shiraz under the direct command of Karim Khan Zand. This structure is famous for its aesthetic beauties that force its visitors to walk with their heads held high above because the ceiling is much more impressive. It is also registered on Iran National Heritage list. Just like other baths in Iran, Vakil Bath is built based on a standard and highly-developed architecture. A distinguishing fact about Vakil Bath is that its light is provided by the goblets that are designed in the ceiling. There are also some special platforms for changing rooms.
Vakil Mosque
The Vakil Mosque is 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 has only two iwans instead of the usual four, on the northern and southern sides of a large open court. The iwans and court are decorated with typical Shirazi haft rangi tiles.
Vakil Bazaar
The bazaar is the last part of the complex and one of the most famous bazaars in Iran. The distinctive points about this bazaar is that most features of a traditional bazaar have been preserved in it. Vakil Bazaar is one of the commercial centers at the heart of Shiraz city which has still preserved its traditional style.
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