Shiraz, Iran, nestled on the banks of “Rudkhaneye Khoshk,” boasts a rich heritage of poets, gardens, and ancient crafts. Wander through the Shah Cheragh Shrine, adorned with chandeliers and open to all. Admire the kaleidoscope of Nasir al Molk Mosque’s stained glass.

Shop for carpets and spices at Vakil Bazaar, near the majestic Vakil Mosque. Discover the medieval Karim Khan Citadel, now a museum. Visit the Saadi Tomb, a tribute to the Persian poet. Don’t miss tasting Kalam Polo and Gorme Shirazi, local delicacies. Access Shiraz via its modern airport, extensive bus network, or expansive railway station.

Explore Shiraz: A Blend of History and Beauty

Shiraz is the fifth most popular city in Iran. It is the capital of Fars province. Siraz is located in the southwest part of Iran on the “Rudkhaneye Khoshk” or “The Dry River”.

Climate of this city is overall classed as a ccold-semi arid climate. Shiraz is famous as the city of poets, gardens, wine, nightingales, and flowers.

The major attractions of Shiraz are inlaid mosaic work of traingular design, silver-ware, carpet-weaving, and gilim, which is a kind of rug.    

Things to do in Shiraz:

1. The Shah Cherragh Shrine:

Shah Cherragh is a funeral monument and mosque in Shiraz, Iran. This is one of the most important places of pilgrimage in the city. Inside the great chamber, you will find giant chandeliers hanging that seem like frozen rain, smaller green lamps placed on the walls.

This mosque is open to non-muslims so anyone can gaze at its shining form. This mosque itself has tombs and a museum storing several ancient copies of the Quran. There is no entry fee and it opens 24 hours a day.

2. Nasir al Molk Mosque:

This is one of the most beautiful mosques in Iran. This mosque was built during the Qajar era. One of the distinct feature of this mosque is the colored stained glass in the window. In the morning these windows cast a kaleidoscope of colors on the walls and carpets of the mosque.

Along with exploring the beauty of the prayer hall, you must visit the courtyard, museum, gallery, and other rooms of Nasir al Molk. The admission fee costs 1,000,000 IRR. This mosque opens from 8 am to 5 pm. 

3. Vakil Bazaar and Vakil Mosque:

The Zand Dynasty built this mosque between 1751 and 1773. They established Vakil Bazaar as a market in 1760, which has been operational since the 11th century.

In the Vakil Bazaar you can see a wide variety of caravanserias, courtyards, and hammams. In this market you can also shop for carpets, artwork, food, clothing, and much more. The admission fee to the Vakil mosque and to the Hammam e Vakil is 1,000,000 IRR each. 

4. Karim Khan Citadel:

This spot is also recognized as the Arg of Karim Khan. This citadel is rectangular in shape and resembles a medieval fortress. It covers an area of 4,000 m2. In the past, this citadel sometimes served as a prison.

Today, Iran’s Culture Heritage Organization operates it as a museum after converting it. You will find a public park surrounding this citadel.

This citadel consists of four high walls connected by four 14 m round brick towers at a 90-degree angle. Each 12 m wall is 3 meters thick at the top and 2.8 meters at the top.

This citadel was the home of the Karim Khan and the military center of the dynasty. This citadel opens at 9 am and closes at 8pm. The admission fee to Karim Khan Citadel is 200 000 Rials. 

5. Saadi Tomb:

This is a tomb and museum dedicated to the Persian poet Saadi. After his death, Saadi was buried at a Khanqah at the current location.

The current building underwent destruction in the 17th century and underwent reconstruction between 1950 and 1952. The design drew inspiration from the Chehel Sotoun, incorporating a blend of old and new architectural elements.

This place opens from 8 am to 8 pm everyday. The admission fee to this tomb is 1,500,000 IRR.

Food to try in Shiraz:

1. Kalam polo:

This is one of the Iranian local cuisine. The dish includes lentils, rice, onions, chickpeas, and vegetable flour. To prepare it as a vegetarian option, exclude the meat. Serve it alongside Shirazi salad.

2. Gorme Shirazi:

This is a sweet dish as in this area locals cook a lot of sweet foods according to their climate. This dish is prepared with meat, sugar, saffron, onions, and spice in the gourmet..  

How to reach Shiraz:

1. By flight:

Shiraz International Airport is the largest airport in the southern region of Iran. It is also the second-most-reliable and modern airport in the whole of Iran.

This airport has two interconnected terminals. This airport receives international flights from all around the world including Mashhad, Dubai, Istanbul, Kuwait City, Lavan Island, Muscat, Doha, and Tabriz. You can get private taxis from outside the airport to reach the city centre. 

2. By road:

Shiraz has 71 bus lines by which it is connected to the rest of Iran. There are three main bus terminals in Iran: Karandish, Modares, and Amirkabir.

From all of these three bus terminals you can get a bus to Yazd, Isfahan, Tehran and many other nearby cities.

3. By train:

Shiraz Railway Station is Iran;’s largest railway station according to surface area. The rains run six days per week to Ishafan, Tehran, and Mashad. 

Click here to read more interesting travel blogs! https://leeandlucy.com/blog/