It’s long passed since my trip to Shiraz but I thought since I have a pretty decent record of the places I went and the things I did, it wouldn’t do any harm to write a belated post on it. After all this is my favorite city in Iran so far! Shiraz is the 5th biggest city of Iran with a population of almost 2 million! It’s still considered a big city but after experiencing the hectic and rapid life of Tehran, Shiraz seems like a village in the countryside. At least to me.

The city is famous for a fair amount of things in the world. First for it’s long history and important role in the Persian empire with Persepolis as it’s capital. Second, for it’s wine! …Yes, wine! Shiraz used to be Iran’s wine capital and known for producing the finest wine in the Middle East. However you won’t be getting that anymore!

Shiraz is the land of Poets. …and No! poetry is not a thing of the past when it comes to Iranians. You will find that the average life of an Iranian is deeply connected with poetry and they show a great amount of respect toward their poets. Turns out, some of the world’s famous Iranian poets like Hafez and Sa’di were from Shiraz and by visiting their tombs you’d realize how dear they are to the Iranian heart.The people of Shiraz are known amongst Iranians as taking life on a slow mode and their love for picnics, which normally take place in their private family gardens. People usually close their shops and business by lunch time and don’t come back until around 3 or later. Now that’s not because it takes them so long to eat, but rather because of afternoon naps being a religion in Shiraz!

Shiraz has a lot to see. We spent a good four days there but there was still way too many places we didn’t get to visit. So here’s a little highlight of our trip.

#1 Persepolis

This place is without a doubt the main highlight of Shiraz for any visitor. Although it’s about 70km outside of the city which means it’s a day trip itself, still it’s totally worth every minute. There is a unique sense of glory here, one that I only got to feel again in Rome. A feeling of power, dominance, inconstancy and certainly the passage of time. Persepolis is a UNESCO world heritage, constructed and glorified during the time of Darius I and later invaded by Alexander the great. It was set on fire after the invasion which is believed by many historians to have been a revenge for the burning of Acropolis of Athens during the Persian invasion of Greece.

#2 Pasargadae

Pasargadae was the capital of Cyrus the great and his last resting place. The most famous remaining monument of this place is the Tomb of Cyrus himself.

#3 Naqsh-e Rostam

Naqsh-e Rostam is another of my favorite places to visit in Shiraz. There’s again a great sense of glory and somehow a resemblense to The Treasury in Petra, Jordan. The most important monuments are the tombs of 4 Achaemenid kings including Darius the Great, carved out of the rock face. There is an entrance on each carving which opens to a small chamber where the king’s body lays in a sarcophagus. The tombs were later looted following the conquest of Alexander the Great.

#4 Tomb of Hafez

Hafez is one of the most beloved figures among Iranians. Most of his poetry is themed toward love and faith. “Hafez reading” is a thing in Iran which is regularly practiced by anyone from young teenagers to older generation. His poems are also frequently used in Persian traditional music and calligraphy. If you don’t know who he is, or never read his pieces make sure you look him up before heading to this place. It definitely makes the experience remarkably different.

#5 Tomb of Sa’di

Sa’di is another major Persian poet of the medieval period. He is quoted for his deep moral thoughts throughout the world. He was a well educated man who happened to wander around the world for decades due to the Mongol invasion. He writes exquisitely about his experiences, observance and the people he meets during his journey which happen to be mostly survivors of the war. His pieces reflect first-hand experiences of ordinary Iranians who suffered displacement and agony throughout the turbulent Mongol invasion.

#6 Eram Garden

Persian Garden has been frequently quoted in Persian literature and poetry as the earthly paradise. It’s traditional style has influenced the design of gardens throughout the world, from gardens of Alhambra in Andalusia to their biggest interpretation in Taj Mahal of Agra. Eram Garden is a dazzling show of all the Persian garden elements and definitely a moment of delight whenever you’re in need of some peacefulness.

#7 Nerenjestan Museum/Qavam house