Shiraz, the city of poetry and flowers, has always been known for its lush and picturesque gardens. Walking among the sky-reaching trees and marveling at the historical mansions captivates every passerby. It’s as if every garden holds a story of Iran’s history and culture. Like other cities in Iran, this beautiful city is home to numerous tourist attractions and historical sites, one of the most famous being Shapouri Garden. Shapouri Mansion is not just a garden; it symbolizes the transformation and evolution of Iran’s history. This garden acts as a bridge between the past and the present, showcasing how tradition, creativity, and innovation can coexist. If you’re seeking a unique experience, join us at Eligasht as we explore this garden and immerse ourselves in its modern architecture and dynamic atmosphere, experiencing a journey through Iran’s history and culture.
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History of Shapouri Garden in Shiraz
The magnificent garden and mansion of Shapouri are among the historical landmarks of Shiraz. Built between 1931 and 1936 by the renowned architect Abolqasem Mohandes, a native of Shiraz, it became the property of Abdul Saheb Shapouri, one of the prominent merchants of the city. Until 1991, this garden served as the Shapouri family residence. However, it fell into ruins and was forgotten over time. Eventually, in 1999, it was purchased by the Cultural Heritage Organization of Fars Province and registered as one of Iran’s national treasures. The mansion, with its beautiful design and a floor area of approximately 840 square meters, sits on a land of 4,635 square meters. It was constructed in a style that was famous for its architectural freedom at the time.
Architecture of Shapouri Mansion in Shiraz
Shapouri Mansion boasts beautiful and captivating architecture and is recognized as one of the significant landmarks in Shiraz among tourists. It not only ranks among the first buildings designed with architectural freedom but is also considered a symbol of art and taste during the Qajar period.
Inside the mansion, there are several diverse and functional rooms. Finally, the western facade of this building, adorned with columns featuring Achaemenid-inspired tilework, presents a spectacle of beauty and grandeur to onlookers. The upper porch also showcases these designs with grace, allowing anyone who enters to witness the artistry and skill of architecture in a unique artistic masterpiece.
Entry of Shapouri Mansion in Shiraz
Upon entering this garden, you will observe the beautiful mansion located in the center of the garden, which attracts visitors with its various plaster decorations and colorful paintings. The large balcony of this house, adorned with 14 beautiful columns arranged symmetrically, represents a fusion of Qajar architectural art with a free European style of its time. Moreover, upon entering this garden, the prominent tilework located on top of the building catches the viewers’ attention.
This tilework, with its intricate design inspired by Achaemenid art and precise coloring, has managed to capture the attention of many. In this design, the flying human figure is depicted using various colors such as lapis lazuli, yellow, red, and brown. Additionally, a beautiful pool in the shape of a five-pointed star is placed in this garden, making the atmosphere more pleasant and enchanting, fully capturing the beauty of this garden.
To enter this mansion, you need to make a 90-degree turn relative to the main axis of the central building. Upon entering the mansion, your eyes will be drawn to a grand staircase designed to attract visitors’ attention in the best possible way. This type of staircase design is another reason for the European influence in the Shapouri house since in Iranian architecture, staircases are usually located in the margins, and small wooden doors act as connections between rooms and interior spaces, while in European architecture, staircases are used as communication routes between rooms. The same is true in this house, ultimately guiding visitors to two different sides of the house, namely the Shah Neshin and Goushvareh areas.
Shapouri Mansion Garden in Shiraz
In the heart of Shapouri Garden, there is a beautiful five-pointed pool that transforms into an attractive and mesmerizing scene in the darkness of the night. The central and primary pool of Shapouri Garden stands out for its unique design, deviating from the rectangular pools commonly seen during that time. In traditional Iranian architecture, it is typical to have a rectangular pool positioned between the main mansion and the entrance gate. However, Shapouri Garden takes a slightly different approach.
A winding pathway connects the entrance gate to the mansion, encircling the pool. The pool’s edges are crafted from wheat-colored stone, while the interior is adorned with a beautiful blue hue. Surrounding the pool, you’ll often find floral arrangements, enhancing its visual appeal alongside candle holders and roses. From the second-floor balcony of Shapouri Mansion, one can easily be captivated by the relatively large pool. It’s not an overstatement to say that simply observing this mesmerizing blue pool can bring a sense of fulfillment throughout the day.
In this garden, trees such as cypress, pear, plane, fig, pomegranate, orange, and date offer a sense of spring and freshness. Additionally, as you walk through the garden’s path, you will come across roses and candlestick flowers. Shapouri Mansion Garden creates a unique ambiance through a skillful combination of European and Iranian architecture, and upon entering it, you step into a world of beauty and tranquility.
Attractions around Shapouri Mansion, Shiraz
Shapouri Mansion is located in the heart of Shiraz and is recognized as one of the valuable tourist attractions of the city. Near Shapouri Garden, there are many attractions, including the Karim Khan Complex, which you can reach within a few minutes’ walk, the Vakil Bath and Bazaar, Shahcheragh Shrine (a 20-minute walk to this sacred place), Forough Al-Mulk House Museum, Motamedi Historical House in Shiraz, Saraye Moshir Bazaar, Pars Museum in Shiraz, and Khan School in Shiraz.
The best time to visit Shapouri Mansion
Shiraz is a city that has always been pleasant in terms of climate, but the best time to travel to this beautiful and historical city is in the month of Ordibehesht (April-May). During this time, Shiraz is very pleasant with blossoms and spring gardens, but there is more crowding and a larger population compared to autumn and winter in this city. Additionally, early Aban (October-November) is a good time to travel to Shiraz without crowds and in a quieter period, allowing you to easily explore the attractions of this beautiful city.
Visiting hours of Shapouri Mansion, Shiraz
The visiting hours of Shapouri Mansion in Shiraz are from 8 am to 11 pm every day. However, the mansion is closed on mourning days and official holidays. The entrance fee for Iranian tourists is 2,000 Tomans, and for foreign tourists, it is 5,000 Tomans.
Access to Shapouri Mansion, Shiraz
To access Shapouri Mansion in Shiraz, you need to move from Karim Khan Zand Street towards Anvari Street and continue until you reach the main intersection. At the intersection, you can easily reach the mansion using public transportation from various parts of the city. If you are a traveler in Shiraz, staying in one of the hotels near the mansion will provide you with more opportunities to enjoy the surrounding beauty and visit other attractions of Shiraz.
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don’t forget to visit Bagh-e Nazar and the Pars Museum in Shiraz!
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Final words
Shapouri Garden in Shiraz is not only a symbol of its own beauty and historical and cultural value but also represents the art and architectural taste of Iran, which turns it into an unforgettable attraction in the minds of visitors. With its mesmerizing architecture, lush and beautiful gardens, and numerous ancient artifacts, this mansion has always been a host to domestic and foreign tourists, inviting everyone on a journey through time. Here, history, art, and nature blend together, offering visitors an experience beyond their expectations, which remains in their memories forever.
FAQ
- Where is Shapouri Garden located in Shiraz?
Shapouri Garden, also known as Bagh-e Shapouri, is located in the city of Shiraz, Iran. It is situated in the neighborhood of Zand, near the famous Eram Garden and the Arg of Karim Khan.
- What is the history of Shapouri Garden?
Shapouri Garden was built during the Qajar era by a wealthy merchant named Abdol Hasan Khan Shapouri. Construction of the garden started in the late 19th century and was completed in the early 20th century. It was designed as a private residence and a place for the Shapouri family to entertain guests.
- What are the key features of Shapouri Garden?
Shapouri Garden is renowned for its beautiful Persian garden design, which includes lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and flowing water features. The garden also features traditional Persian architectural elements, including a central mansion with ornate tilework, exquisite stained glass windows, and intricate plasterwork.
- What are the visiting hours of Shapouri Garden?
Shapouri Garden is open to visitors from 8 am to 11 pm every day, allowing ample time to explore its exquisite surroundings.
- How can I reach Shapouri Garden in Shiraz?
To reach Shapouri Garden, you can head towards Anvari Street from Karim Khan Zand Street in Shiraz. The garden is easily accessible via public transportation from various parts of the city.
- What is the significance of Shapouri Garden in Shiraz?
Shapouri Garden not only showcases the beauty of Iranian architecture and culture but also offers a harmonious blend of history, art, and nature. It provides visitors with a memorable experience that lingers in their minds, making it a must-visit attraction in Shiraz.