The tomb of Hafez Shirazi, the renowned Persian poet and master of ghazal, is located in Shiraz, a city celebrated for its poetry and culture, as well as being one of Iran’s key tourist destinations for both domestic and international travelers. One of the most visited attractions in Shiraz, Hafezieh draws countless visitors each year, prompting many to travel to Shiraz to see this famous tomb. In this article from Eligasht, we will introduce the tomb of Hafez in Shiraz and its various parts.
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Where is Hafezieh Located?
Hafez, the illustrious and celebrated poet of Iran, known as the Lasan Al-Ghaib, was an unparalleled ghazal poet born in the 8th century AH (approximately 14th century AD) in Shiraz. After living for 65 years in Shiraz, he passed away here. Hafezieh is situated in Fars Province and the city of Shiraz, housing not only Hafez’s tomb but also the graves of other great poets and mystics. It is located in the northeastern part of Shiraz, near other attractions such as the tomb of Saadi to the west, the Quran Gate to the north, and the gardens of Jahan Nama and Eram to the northwest, along with Nasir al-Mulk Mosque and the Narenjestan Qavam Museum Garden to the south.
History of Hafezieh in Shiraz
Hafezieh, the tomb of Hafez, was first constructed in 856 AD by Mohammad Yaghmaei, the minister of the ruler of Fars, 64 years after Hafez’s death. The original structure was dome-shaped with a pool in front, filled with water from the Ruknabad River. During the Safavid and Afsharid periods, the tomb underwent restoration and was covered with a marble tombstone. In the Zandieh era, further renovations took place, including the addition of four tall stone columns at the front, creating a beautiful portico. Over time, two halls and two rooms were built to the south and north of the tomb, and the surrounding area was transformed into a large, lush garden.
After the Zandieh era, in 1273 AD, Hafezieh was once again restored by the then-ruler of Fars, Tahmasb Mirza Moayed al-Dowleh. A wooden pavilion was constructed for the tomb. After a visit by a Zoroastrian dignitary named Mullah Shah Jahan, who was inspired to build a magnificent structure for Hafez, construction was halted by a devout Muslim who opposed the idea, leaving the project unfinished.
During the Pahlavi dynasty, in 1931, a stone entrance was added to the southern wall of the tomb. The garden around Hafezieh was enlarged and adorned with various flowers and trees, making the tomb even more beautiful. Two new porticos were also added to the southern and northern sections of the tomb.
Different Sections of Hafezieh in Shiraz
One of the most attractive aspects of visiting Hafezieh is exploring its various sections. This nationally registered complex consists of northern and southern parts, featuring a large garden with beautiful trees and nature. Visitors can enjoy the sight of Hafez’s dome-shaped tomb and the grand portico with its tall columns, showcasing the splendor of authentic Persian architecture.
Southern Courtyard of Hafezieh
To enter the tomb of Hafezieh in Shiraz, visitors must pass through the southern courtyard, which features a vast garden filled with orange trees and two large pools. A beautifully designed walkway adorned with flowers, grass, and cypress and pine trees leads to the portico. The portico is separated from the courtyard by nine large, wide steps and features tall walls and columns, providing access to Golestan Street.
Hafezieh Hall
The Hafezieh Hall is designed with 20 stone columns and 18 steps leading from the southern courtyard to the portico. The hall measures 56 square meters in length and 8 meters in width, and the columns built during the Zandieh era are currently located in the center of the hall. The Hafezieh Hall has two rooms on either side, dividing the tomb into northern and southern sections. In the left room of the hall lies the tomb of Ghavam al-Saltaneh, an Iranian politician, along with two additional rooms that showcase magnificent designs from the Zandieh and Achaemenid periods.
Northern Portico and Courtyard
The northern portico and courtyard were originally a cemetery, which included Hafez’s tomb. Currently, the eastern and western sections of this courtyard are designed with two rectangular pools and flower-filled gardens, featuring cypress, pine, and orange trees. The library, Hafez studies, traditional teahouse, and cultural product shop are also located in the northern portico and courtyard.
Tomb of Hafez
The tomb of Hafez is situated in the northern part of the complex and is elevated from the ground by five circular steps surrounding the tomb. The dome-shaped tomb features eight tall columns, each 5 meters high, representing a significant architectural style. The beautiful green dome is decorated in an Iranian style, with verses of Hafez’s poetry adorning the interior, while the outer dome is covered with copper sheets.
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Other Tombs in Hafezieh
As mentioned, alongside Hafez’s tomb, there are also the graves of other great mystics and poets, including Sheikh Mohammad Shirazi, Mohammad Nasiri al-Hosseini (commonly known as Forough al-Dowleh Shirazi), Qutub al-Arefin Agha Mohammad Hashem Zahabi Shirazi, and Haj Mullah Ali Semnani.
Additionally, the tomb of Qasem Khan, the governor of Fars, is located in the area where the library now stands. In front of the library, you will find the graves of other notable figures and scholars from the city, including Haj Seyyed Mohammad Ali Kazerooni Shirazi, Sheikh Mohammad Mahdi Kajouri, Sheikh Mohammad Hasan Kajouri, and Seyyed Mohammad Reza Mojdalolama.
Best Time to Visit Hafezieh in Shiraz
The tomb of Hafez in Shiraz is one of the most visited tourist attractions, and you can enjoy visiting the tomb and its surrounding graves at any time of the year. The best time to experience the beauty of Shiraz and the blooming orange blossoms is in spring, particularly in May. During this season, the charming alleys of Shiraz come alive with spring flowers and the fragrance of orange blossoms. May 5th, known as Shiraz Day, marks a significant time for tourism in Shiraz, allowing visitors to explore historical attractions and enjoy various events celebrating Shiraz.
Aside from May, the best time to visit Hafezieh is in autumn, particularly in October. October 20th is celebrated as Hafez Day, when visitors can enjoy the beauty of Hafezieh and participate in events such as poetry readings, discussions on Persian literature, and many other activities.
Accessing Hafezieh in Shiraz
Hafezieh is located in the northeastern part of Shiraz. To reach Hafezieh by personal vehicle, head northeast on Golestan Street. Once you reach the intersection of Golestan and Chehel Maqam Streets, you will see Hafez’s tomb situated between Hafez Square and Literature Square.
If you plan to visit Hafezieh using public transportation, you can easily access it by taking the Shiraz metro from Zandieh Station or by boarding the buses on the Shahid Dastgheib line to Narenjestan Boulevard, getting off at the Hafezieh station.
Final words
Hafez’s tomb, or Hafezieh, is recognized as one of the most famous tourist attractions in Shiraz. In addition to Hafez’s tomb, it also houses the graves of other great mystics and poets of Iran and Shiraz, allowing visitors to enjoy this beautiful complex and its various sections. Therefore, in this article, we aimed to introduce Hafezieh in Shiraz so that you don’t miss the chance to see it during your visit to this lovely city.
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FAQ
What is Hafezieh?
Hafezieh is the tomb of Hafez Shirazi, a celebrated Persian poet known for his ghazals. Located in Shiraz, it is a beautifully designed complex that includes gardens, halls, and the poet’s resting place, attracting many visitors each year.
How do I get to Hafezieh?
Hafezieh is located in the northeastern part of Shiraz. You can arrive by personal vehicle via Golestan Street or use public transportation, such as the metro from Zandieh Station or buses on the Shahid Dastgheib line, which stop nearby.
What are the visiting hours for Hafezieh?
Hafezieh is generally open to visitors year-round, but specific hours may vary depending on the season or any special events. It’s best to check local information or official sources for current visiting hours.
What can I expect to see at Hafezieh?
At Hafezieh, you can explore the stunning gardens, admire the architecture of the tomb, and visit the nearby graves of other prominent poets and mystics. The site often hosts cultural events, including poetry readings and exhibitions, making it a vibrant place to experience Persian literature and culture.