Shiraz: A City of Splendor and History
Shiraz, a city steeped in the grandeur and history of Iran, carries the enchanting fragrance of orange blossoms. It’s the city that Hafez, the famous Persian poet, once praised with the words: “Oh, Shiraz, and its unrivaled charm!” If you’ve ever traveled to Shiraz, its beautiful and historic gardens likely caught your eye. Among them, Eram Garden (Bagh-e Eram) is a gem you simply cannot overlook or explore in haste.
Every corner of this garden evokes the imagery of paradise, showcasing the pinnacle of Persian architectural artistry. Let’s hop on the Hamintour virtual bus and dive into the stunning details of Eram Garden in Shiraz, exploring its unparalleled beauty one step at a time!
About Eram Garden in Shiraz
Eram Garden is where the fragrance of orange blossoms greets you at the gate, reminding you that you are in the heart of Shiraz!
Shiraz boasts many gardens, but even a glimpse of Eram Garden’s photos reveals its unique allure. The intricate decorations and architecture of its mansion will captivate you, showcasing the magnificence of Persian artistry.
Interestingly, Eram Garden is one of the nine Persian Gardens listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Additionally, the tallest cypress tree in Shiraz stands proudly in this garden!
Visitors can don traditional Persian attire and capture memorable photos amidst the garden’s enchanting ambiance. This creates a nostalgic connection to the days when people lived in such picturesque surroundings, offering a delightful experience for families. Enough with the introductions—let’s begin our tour of this exquisite garden, starting with its location!
Eram Garden in Shiraz: The Fragrance of Orange Blossoms AwaitsWhere is Eram Garden, and How Do You Get There?
If you pass through Quran Gate (Darvazeh Quran) in Shiraz, anyone can guide you to Eram Garden from there! Just ask, “How can I get to Eram Garden?” and you’ll hear:
“Head toward Chamran Boulevard. At the end of the boulevard, you’ll reach Daneshjoo Square. Take the left turn, head straight to Eram Square, and enter Eram Street. The garden is right there!”
If you’re traveling without a personal vehicle, using the metro is the best option. Disembark at Namazi Metro Station and walk for just 10 minutes through Daneshjoo Square to reach Eram Square. From there, continue along Eram Street, and the garden will be in front of you.
Exact Address of Eram Garden
Fars Province, Shiraz City, District 1, Eram Square, Eram Street, Eram Garden
Eram Garden Visiting Hours
- Spring & Summer: 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM
- Fall & Winter: 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Please note that Eram Garden is closed on the following days due to religious observances:
- Tasu’a and Ashura
- Prophet Muhammad’s Passing
- Imam Ali’s Martyrdom
- Imam Khomeini’s Passing
- Imam Jafar Sadiq’s Martyrdom
While exploring Shiraz, take a moment to check out a complete list of attractions in Shiraz for even more unforgettable experiences!
Eram Garden Ticket Price
The ticket price for international visitors is $0.63 (50,000 IRR).
Note: Students can enjoy discounts on ticket purchases by presenting a valid student ID.
Contact Information
Phone: +98 713 227 2538
The Mysterious History of Eram Garden in Shiraz
The exact origins of Eram Garden remain shrouded in mystery. Simply put, no one knows who built this garden or when it was created!
However, historical records hint at its existence during the 16th and 17th centuries. For instance, travelogues from those times make subtle references to this magnificent garden.
Eram Garden endured through the Safavid, Seljuk, and Inju dynasties, receiving significant renovations under Karim Khan Zand. But its current form began to take shape in the late Zand era, during the Qajar period, when the garden’s main mansion was constructed by Mohammad Gholi Khan, the first leader of the Qashqai tribe, and his father.
Later, during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah, Haj Nasir al-Mulk Shirazi purchased the garden and built the mansion as we see it today, adhering to its original design. Haj Nasir al-Mulk Shirazi also left behind other significant landmarks in Shiraz, such as the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque and Nasir al-Mulk House.
The Exact Construction Date of Eram Garden Remains UnknownWho Designed Eram Garden?
The mansion at the heart of Eram Garden was designed by one of Shiraz’s most renowned architects, Haj Mohammad Hassan Khan.
Architectural Features of Eram Garden: A Testament to Beauty
Eram Garden spans a vast 110,000 square meters in a rectangular layout. It is accessible from the north and south, with gates opening to Ma’lem Boulevard and Jam-e-Jam Boulevard, respectively. On the east and west, the garden is bordered by residential homes and other smaller gardens. Its perimeter fencing is adorned with Honeysuckle Jasmine and Pomegranate Shrubs, adding a fragrant touch.
What enhances the splendor of this garden and its mansion is the strategic elevation of the main building. Eram Garden slopes from east to west, with the mansion positioned on the highest point, creating an awe-inspiring view.
Additionally, the rectangular pool in front of the mansion, equipped with fountains, is another remarkable feature. Surrounding the 335-square-meter pool are tall Phoenix Palm Trees, which serve as natural columns for the garden.
If historical and unique architecture captivates you, don’t miss a visit to Shah Cheragh Shrine during your trip to Shiraz—it’s equally mesmerizing!
Layout of Eram Garden
The original design of Eram Garden reflects the traditional Iranian architectural style, evident in its harmonious shapes, symmetrical structures, and straight, precise lines. Over the years, however, some non-Iranian architectural influences have been incorporated during restoration efforts.
در عکس زیر میتوانید تغییرات اعمال شده روی ساختار هندسی باغ را ببینید:
اولین پلان باغ ارم شیراز نیز به شکل زیر بوده که بعدها تغییراتی کرده است:
Structures and Features of Eram Garden
The main mansion of Eram Garden is a three-story building, distinguished by its two circular columns that add a majestic touch to the property, reminiscent of the grandeur of Persepolis. This structure is a masterpiece of the Qajar era, crafted with inspiration from Safavid and Zand dynasty architectural styles.
Above the entrance of the mansion, you’ll find stunning paintings depicting scenes from the Shahnameh and battles of Qajar kings, reflecting the creative artistry of its builders.
Like many other historical mansions, the building includes a sardab or cool basement, also known as the Hall of the Pool, located on the ground floor. The water stream that fills the mansion’s pool flows through this basement, bringing freshness and a cooling effect to the hall.
The Diverse Structures and Features of Eram GardenThe Main Mansion of Eram Garden
The main mansion of Eram Garden is situated atop an elevated area on the western side of the complex. However, due to expansions and the addition of western lands to the garden, the mansion now lies at the center of the complex.
The Mansion’s Three Floors
The main mansion of Eram Garden features three distinct floors, each boasting its own unique characteristics and design.
The Main Mansion of Eram GardenFirst Floor: The Sardab (Basement)
The ground-level floor, known as the sardab or hall of the pool, offers an ideal retreat from the summer heat. This floor features a stream running through the center and a water fountain, creating a refreshing ambiance. A carved stone column enhances the hall’s architectural elegance.
The walls, ceiling, and floor of this level are adorned with colorful mosaic tiles, depicting scenes from the story of Khosrow and Shirin, royal hunting grounds, and natural landscapes, bringing history and art to life.
Second Floor: The Balcony Level
The second floor is home to the balcony, which steals the spotlight with its vivid murals and intricate tilework. This level also includes a grand hall, corridors, and large iron-framed windows, combining functionality and beauty to create a truly mesmerizing space.
Third Floor: The Ornamental Level
The third floor shares many similarities with the second. It features two large halls, numerous rooms, and iron-framed windows, all adorned with intricate stucco decorations. The halls on this level have wooden-beamed ceilings, embellished with paintings of hunting scenes, floral patterns, arabesque designs, and more.
These vibrant ceiling artworks reflect the artistic mastery of Shirazi craftsmen, inviting visitors to take a step back in time and admire the timeless beauty of Persian art and architecture.
Aerial View and Architectural Highlights of Eram Garden MansionExterior View of the Mansion
The main façade of the Eram Garden mansion captures attention with its vivid seven-color tiles. The borders around the western windows are adorned with paintings of Achaemenid kings, soldiers, and floral motifs, showcasing vibrant and lively patterns.
At the top of the mansion, a tilework masterpiece depicts Naser al-Din Shah Qajar on horseback. The most captivating tile imagery includes Darius the Great hunting gazelles with a leopard, along with depictions from the Shahnameh, Nizami’s poems, and religious tales such as Khosrow and Shirin, Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, and even Yusuf and Zuleikha.
The mansion’s columns, inspired by the grandeur of Persepolis, further enhance its majestic appearance, adding historical depth and elegance.
Tip: While exploring Shiraz, don’t miss Pasargadae, another iconic historical site detailed in our guide.
Hall of Mirrors
Inside the mansion, the Hall of Mirrors stands as a dazzling centerpiece, adorned with exquisite mirrorwork that reflects light brilliantly. Its tall columns and iron-framed windows amplify the grandeur, while the ceiling is decorated with vivid paintings, leaving every visitor in awe.
The Main Balcony
The mansion’s main balcony is flanked by two smaller side balconies. It is roofed and supported by two grand stone columns, which are adorned with paintings of Qajar-era figures and floral patterns. The tilework here reflects the finest examples of Qajar-era artistry, making it a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.
The Beautiful Iwan of Eram GardenInner Courtyard (Andaroon)
Behind the main building of Eram Garden lies an area known as Andaroon, comprising two halls and five rooms. This section is as beautiful as the main mansion, with intricate tilework that was done concurrently with the construction of the main building. Two columns adorned with mosaic tiles stand on either side of the central room, adding to the elegance of the space. To the west of the Andaroon lies a single-story building, elevated above the inner courtyard, offering a unique architectural contrast.
Administrative Section
Next to the main mansion is a complex with eight rooms, serving as the administrative and management offices of the garden and its operations.
The Sea of Light Gem and Stone Museum
Within the main mansion of the Eram Garden, you’ll find the Sea of Light Gem and Stone Museum, which opened in 2011. This museum showcases over 140 rare and valuable gemstones, providing visitors the opportunity to marvel at the stunning beauty and craftsmanship.
Tip: While you’re in Shiraz, make sure to savor the city’s most unique traditional dishes—a true culinary delight during your visit!
The Eram Garden Stone Museum
The Pathway of Eram GardenWater Source of Eram Garden
The primary water source for the garden’s canal and pond is the Qanat-e Nahr-e Aazam, which is the largest water source in Shiraz. In addition to this, two wells are dug within the garden to irrigate the trees and flowers, ensuring the lush greenery of the garden is well-maintained.
Inscriptions of Eram Garden
The inscriptions of Eram Garden are relics from the era of Nasir al-Mulk. Several inscriptions can be found on the entrance arch at the northeast corner of the garden. One of the most famous inscriptions reads “Nasr Min Allah wa Fathun Qareeb” (Victory is from Allah and an imminent triumph), and another one is a lemon-colored marble plaque inscribed with “Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim” (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful). Additionally, one of the plaques bears a Persian couplet written in Nastaliq script: “From the minister, the virtuous Nasir al-Mulk, may the garden of Eram always remain flourishing.”
On both sides of the northeast entrance, there are arched niches with inscriptions from the Quranic verses. Furthermore, other inscriptions featuring the poetry of famous Shirazi poets such as Hafez and Saadi are displayed on the eastern facade of the mansion, also written in Nastaliq script.
On either side of the main Iwan (porch) of the mansion, there are two inscriptions depicting a Persian soldier. The soldier is holding a spear in one hand and a mace in the other. Be sure to check out the reconstructed image of this soldier during your visit to the Eram Garden.
If you enjoy exploring Shiraz and are captivated by its monumental architecture, you should plan to extend your trip and visit Isfahan, particularly the Naqsh-e Jahan Square!
Inscriptions of Eram GardenChanges to Eram Garden Throughout History
During the late Pahlavi era, Eram Garden in Shiraz underwent significant restoration and reconstruction. It was brought back from the ruins it had become, transforming into the magnificent sight we see today. The mudbrick walls of the garden were replaced with stone walls and metal railings, giving it a more refined appearance. Following this, the mansion was also restored according to its original design.
The Mirror Hall, tile works, ceiling paintings, and oil paintings were all repaired and restored to preserve the beauty and historical value of the garden.
In 1979, the Cultural Heritage Organization also took measures to restore Eram Garden, ensuring its historical legacy remains intact for future generations.
Eram Garden’s Plant Life Throughout History
Eram Garden in Shiraz is not just a historical site; it is a full-fledged botanical garden. The garden is home to a wide variety of plants that you might not have encountered before. These include century-old cypress trees, orange and pomegranate trees, and a range of decorative flowers that have been brought from various parts of the world, giving the garden its lush and vibrant character.
As you step into the garden, the blend of the greenery, the grand mansion, and the large pond in front will further ignite your desire to explore this magnificent artistic creation!
When you enter the garden, you’ll immediately notice a beautiful pathway adorned with many Seronaz trees, leading you through an aromatic and enchanting experience of the garden’s natural beauty.
Don’t forget to see the oldest cypress tree of Shiraz, the “Thousand-Year-Old Seronaz”, located along this pathway. Standing tall at 35 meters, this ancient tree will captivate you with its remarkable height, beauty, and age.
If you head towards the northwest corner of the garden, you’ll find a small, serene pond surrounded by lush greenery. Take a seat on the large rocks around the pond and enjoy watching the goldfish swim, letting the peaceful atmosphere deepen your connection with this historic and beautiful place.
And if your visit to Shiraz makes you hungry, you can always head to one of the best restaurants in Shiraz to taste the delicious and authentic flavors of the region!
Special Plant Life of Eram Garden
Ornamental Trees
Eram Garden is home to a wide variety of ornamental trees, making it a picturesque haven for nature lovers. Some of the prominent trees include pines, cypresses, willows, plane trees, mimosa, poplars, eucalyptus, and palm trees. These trees not only contribute to the garden’s aesthetic beauty but also provide shade and tranquility.
Fruit Trees
In addition to ornamental trees, the garden is filled with a wide range of fruit trees. You’ll find trees bearing persimmons, pomegranates, oranges, walnuts, apricots, apples, almonds, quinces, pears, and even medlar. These trees add to the vibrancy of the garden, and their fruit offers visitors a delightful sensory experience.
Activities at Eram Garden
While exploring one of the most fascinating historical sites in Iran and the world is a sufficient reason to visit Shiraz, Eram Garden offers many activities that make your experience even more enjoyable.
Stroll Through the Heavenly Garden
Don’t limit yourself to just visiting the mansion! Taking a walk through the garden is like strolling through a paradise. The garden’s paths are lined with towering trees that have stood the test of time and witnessed the changing of eras. Every corner of the garden is filled with lush greenery, and some of the plants found here can only be seen in this historic space.
Photography in Traditional Clothing
If you ever feel like traveling through time, you can visit one of the traditional clothing rental booths in the garden. Pick a beautiful outfit, wear it, and take photos to capture the memories of your journey to Shiraz. This will undoubtedly make your experience even more memorable and timeless!
Cultural Products Store at Eram Garden
At Eram Garden in Shiraz, you can visit the cultural products store where you can buy souvenirs, handicrafts, and cultural products. These items make perfect gifts for your loved ones, allowing you to take home a piece of Shiraz’s rich heritage. Whether you’re looking for traditional Persian crafts, local art, or unique cultural items, the shop offers a delightful variety.
If you’re a shopping enthusiast, you might also want to explore some of the best shopping centers and markets in Shiraz for more unique finds.
Delicious Food Stalls
If you’re craving a snack or something delicious while touring the garden, head over to the food stalls. A traditional Shirazi falooda (a local dessert) might be the perfect treat to complete your experience at Eram Garden and make your stroll even more enjoyable.
Other Beautiful Gardens in Shiraz
Besides Eram Garden, Shiraz is home to many other historical gardens that attract both local and international visitors year-round. These gardens reflect the deep connection between humans and nature, showcasing Iran’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
Some of the most beautiful and historic gardens in Shiraz include:
- Bagh-e-Jahan-Nama (World-view Garden)
- Bagh-e-Dalgosha (Dalgosha Garden)
- Bagh-e-Affifabad or Golshan Garden
- Bagh-e-Nazar and Pars Museum
- Bagh-e-Melli (National Garden)
- Bagh-e-Naranjestan-e-Qavam (Qavam’s Orange Garden)
- Bagh-e-Haft-Tanan (Seven Martyrs’ Garden)
These gardens, along with Eram, represent the cultural richness and historical importance of Shiraz, making the city a must-visit for nature and history enthusiasts alike.
Nearby Attractions to Eram Garden, Shiraz
When visiting Eram Garden, you’ll find many iconic and historic attractions close by that are worth exploring:
- Vakil Bazaar and Vakil Bath: 4 km
- Hafez Tomb (Hafeziyeh): 6 km
- Saadi Tomb (Saadieh): 7 km
- Kermani Citadel (Arg-e Karim Khan): 3.5 km
These nearby attractions will allow you to experience more of Shiraz’s rich history and cultural beauty, making your visit to Eram Garden even more enjoyable.
Best Time to Visit Eram Garden, Shiraz
Shiraz is a four-season city, and every season offers its unique charm. However, spring—especially in May (Ordibehesht)—is considered the best time to visit, as the city comes alive with the fragrance of orange blossoms and the weather is exceptionally pleasant. Eram Garden looks especially stunning during the spring, making it the ideal season to enjoy its beauty and tranquility.
Booking Accommodation, Villas, and Hotels in Shiraz
One of the main concerns when traveling to Shiraz is finding a place to stay. If we can find clean accommodation that suits our budget, we will definitely have a more enjoyable trip.
Before starting your journey, you can reserve your accommodation through the Hamintour website. On the site, you can view pictures of villas, suites, and even hotel rooms in Shiraz, and choose one that fits your taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for an affordable and cozy suite or a luxurious hotel with full amenities, it doesn’t matter. On Hamintour, you will definitely find a place to stay. Have a comfortable and enjoyable trip!
Frequently Asked Questions about Eram Garden, Shiraz
What are the opening hours of Eram Garden, Shiraz?
Eram Garden is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM. However, during the second half of the year, it is open until 6:30 PM.