Shiraz, the city of poets, orange blossoms, and towering cypress trees, is a place that steals hearts. Shiraz Eram Garden majestic cypresses have inspired countless poems, but do you know where to find the tallest and oldest one? Meet the legendary Sarv-e Naz, a 35-meter cypress with thousands of years of history, standing proudly in Eram Garden—one of Iran’s nine UNESCO-listed gardens.
Shiraz Eram Garden is a treasure trove of beauty, famed for its diverse plants, intricate entrance inscriptions, and elegant crescent-shaped designs atop its mansion. Join us on this journey through our Hey persia blog as we uncover the magic of this soul-soothing garden, one of the top attractions in Fars Province.
A Peek into Eram Garden’s History
The exact origins of Eram Garden are a bit of a mystery, but records from the 10th and 11th centuries suggest it existed during the Seljuk and Inju dynasties. Travelers during the Safavid era described it as a dazzling masterpiece. The garden was later restored under Karim Khan Zand in the Zand dynasty.
The first structure in Eram Garden was built during Fath-Ali Shah’s reign by the first Qashqai Ilkhan and his son, Mohammad Qoli Khan. In the Qajar era, Haj Nasir al-Molk purchased the garden and constructed a new three-story mansion, which you can still admire today. Nasir al-Molk, known for building iconic landmarks like the Nasir al-Molk Mosque and House, left his mark on Shiraz Eram Garden architectural legacy.
During the Pahlavi era, the garden was confiscated and gifted to Shiraz University. Today, it serves as a botanical garden under the Faculty of Agriculture, while the mansion houses the Faculty of Law.
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The mansion’s architect, Mohammad Hassan Khan, was one of Shiraz’s most celebrated architects during the Qajar period.
Exploring Eram Garden’s Architecture
The Garden Layout
Spanning 110,000 square meters, Eram Garden is a rectangular paradise. Its northern and western sides once had short mud walls, now replaced with sturdier low walls after restoration. The garden slopes from east to west, with the main mansion perched at its highest point, designed in the Qajar style with influences from the Zand and Safavid eras.
One of the garden’s most enchanting features is the east-west pathway lined with Shiraz’s iconic cypress trees. Here, you’ll spot the 35-meter Sarv-e Naz, the tallest and oldest cypress, a living testament to centuries of history.
The Plants of Eram Garden
This 3-hectare garden is a botanical wonder, captivating travelers who’ve written about it for centuries. Beyond the famous cypresses, you’ll find fruit trees like orange, pomegranate, medlar, persimmon, walnut, almond, apple, apricot, and pear. Non-fruiting trees include purple heart, weeping willow, maple, pine, black willow, ash, musk willow, eucalyptus, and poplar. The garden also boasts 250 varieties of roses, ornamental shrubs with vibrant flowers or foliage, cold-resistant and sensitive annuals, bulbous flowers, and perennial flowering bushes.
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After cypresses, pomegranates and orange trees dominate the garden’s landscape.
Shiraz Eram Garden Mansion
The mansion, a Qajar architectural gem, is as captivating as the garden’s cypresses. Built on the western side, this three-story structure includes a lower level that feels like a cool basement, perfect for escaping summer heat. A stream flows through the garden, filling a pool in the basement, which is adorned with colorful mosaic tiles on its floors and walls.
The upper two floors feature tall columns inspired by Persepolis, adding grandeur. At the mansion’s façade, two semi-circles flank a large panel made of three stacked crescents, showcasing scenes from Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh and Qajar-era battles. With its seven-color tilework, stucco designs, stone columns, and teak wood doors, the mansion is a mesmerizing blend of art and architecture.
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The mansion includes a Mirror Hall, two verandas, a private quarters section, an administrative area with eight rooms, and a Stone and Gem Museum.
Stone and Gem Museum (Darya-e Noor)
Opened in 2011, this museum inside the mansion displays over 140 rare stones and gems, a must-see for visitors.
Inscriptions at Eram Garden
The mansion, built during Naser al-Din Shah’s reign by Nasir al-Molk, features several inscriptions. At the northern entrance, you’ll find mosaic-tiled inscriptions, one bearing the Quranic verse “Victory from Allah and an imminent conquest” in Nasta’liq script. Another lemon-yellow inscription begins with “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful” and includes a poem praising Nasir al-Molk’s contributions. The northeastern entrance has two arched niches with Quranic inscriptions.
On the eastern façade, six stone inscriptions feature poems by renowned poets like Hafez and Saadi. Two additional inscriptions on either side of the main veranda depict an Achaemenid soldier holding a spear and mace.
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The garden’s water comes from Shiraz’s largest aqueduct, Nahr-e Azam, supplemented by two wells for irrigating its flora.
Where is Shiraz Eram Garden, How Do You Get There?
Located at Eram Square on Eram Street, the garden is easily accessible. If you’re using public transport, take the metro to Namazi Station and walk for about 10 minutes.
Visiting Hours:
- April to September: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- October to March: 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Why You Should Visit Eram Garden
- It’s one of nine authentic Persian gardens on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
- The garden’s rare and diverse plants create a global botanical showcase.
- The mansion’s artistic and architectural details are unparalleled.
Fun Activities at Eram Garden
Beyond soaking in the garden’s heavenly ambiance, you can:
- Take photos in traditional Shirazi costumes.
- Browse handicraft stalls for souvenirs and cultural treasures.
- Indulge in local food at the garden’s food stalls.
The Best Time to Visit Eram Garden
Shiraz is a four-season city, beautiful year-round, but spring—especially May—brings an extra dose of magic with blooming flowers and mild weather.
Final Thoughts
Eram Garden, a crown jewel of Shiraz, was added to Iran’s National Heritage List in 1974 and restored in 1979. On July 27, 2011, it joined eight other Persian gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its timeless beauty and cultural significance make it a must-visit.
Planning a trip to Shiraz, the city of orange blossoms? Join us at Hey Persia Travel Agency for a seamless and unforgettable journey. Our tours are perfect for curious travelers, especially those seeking unique experiences. Book now, and let’s explore Iran together.
