If you’re someone who loves gardens and nature, tick around for this article. We’re going to introduce you to some well-known Iranian gardens in various cities across Iran. Iran Persian gardens have always played a vital role in Iranian culture and architecture throughout history, and they are among the oldest and most significant garden styles globally. These gardens were created not only in grand mansions but also sometimes for public enjoyment. In broad terms, Iranian gardens were classified into two types: “Bagh-Kooshk” and “Bagh-Aramgah.” Bagh-Kooshks were designed for kings, rulers, and mansion owners, typically featuring a palace or Kooshk at the garden’s center. Bagh-Aramgah, on the other hand, was constructed, drawing inspiration from paradise, as a final resting place and burial site for important individuals. Many of these gardens and natural sanctuaries are listed on UNESCO’s heritage register. In the following sections, we’ll introduce you to ten famous gardens in Iran.

List of Persian Gardens

Visiting the historical gardens is one of the best things to do in Iran for tourists.  So lets’ introduce the most famous Persian Gardens in Iran:

Shazdeh Garden (Kerman)

Shazdeh Mahan is a lush and delightful garden in the heart of the desert and is one of Kerman’s must-visit spots. This rectangular-shaped garden covers around 5.5 hectares and includes a grand entrance, a bathhouse, a mansion, and pools, all tucked amidst tall trees, shining like a green gem in the desert. Once you step into Shazdeh Garden, you’ll forget that it’s situated amidst the heat and deserts of Kerman. There are towering trees that seem to touch the sky, pools filled with gushing fountains, with their streams extending all the way to the end of the garden. The greenery and irrigation in this garden amidst the desert might seem like an impossible and strange feat, but it’s made possible by the qanats (underground aqueducts) and rivers supplied by the nearby Choupar Mountains.

Furthermore, the sloping architecture of Iranian gardens makes the sound of water resonate throughout the garden, finally cascading down to provide irrigation for the nearby village near Shazdeh Garden.

Pasargadae Persian Garden (Shiraz)

Pasargadae Persian Garden, located near Shiraz, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a remarkable example of ancient Persian garden design. This historic garden, dating back to the time of Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC, showcases the ingenuity and advanced horticultural skills of the Persians. The garden is a symmetrical and meticulously planned paradise, featuring a combination of flowing water, lush greenery, and unique architectural elements, including the iconic tomb of Cyrus the Great. It serves as a testament to the Persian appreciation for aesthetics, nature, and the harmonious blending of human-made structures with the natural environment. A visit to Pasargadae Persian Garden offers a glimpse into the rich cultural and historical heritage of Iran and its enduring love for garden artistry.

Eram Persian Garden (Shiraz)

This garden, also known as the Botanical Garden, is one of the beautiful and captivating places in Shiraz for a springtime stroll. Based on documents and historical records, the roots of this Iranian garden trace back to the 10th or 11th century during the Seljuk era. Over the years, it has been maintained by Shiraz’s kings and nobles, with its current architecture remaining unchanged since the Qajar era. The building incorporates architectural elements and patterns reminiscent of Persepolis columns and Shahnameh (the Book of Kings) artwork. That’s why it’s renowned as one of the most exquisite Iranian gardens in the world.

See More: Eram Garden in Shiraz

Fin Persian Garden (Kashan)

The Fin Garden is a stunning and unique place, considered one of Iran’s most beautiful gardens. It also houses the Fin Bath, a historical bathhouse located within the Fin Garden complex. It’s the place where Naser al-Din Shah, in 1852 AD (1230 AH), assassinated his Prime Minister, Amir Kabir.

According to historical documents, the history of the Fin Garden in Kashan dates back to the Albooyeh dynasty. The initial design of the garden was carried out by a person named Ghias al-Din Jamshid Kashani. The Fin Garden covers an area of 33,799 square meters and is a dreamy spot for strolling, thanks to its numerous fountains, the pleasant sound of water, and the towering trees. Plus, its tea house offers you the perfect opportunity to savor these precious moments to the fullest.

See More: Fin Garden in Kahsan

Dowlat-Abad Persian Garden (Yazd)

Dowlat Abad  in Yazd is a beautiful and surprising garden right in the heart of the desert. The moment you step into this garden, you’ll be amazed because, amidst the desert heat and the sparse vegetation of Yazd, you suddenly find yourself in a stunning and captivating garden. Thanks to the Qanats (underground aqueducts) in the city of Yazd, this garden remains lush and green.

Now, this garden isn’t just a garden; it’s got various structures like wind catchers, water reservoirs, an observation tower, and a caravanserai tucked inside. Plus, the world’s tallest wind catcher, standing at a whopping 33.8 meters, can be found right here in this garden. That’s why Dowlat Abad Garden is famous globally, and you’ll spot its name on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

Abbas Abad Persian Garden (Behshahr)

Abbas Abad Persian Garden in Behshahr is a hidden gem that captures the essence of Iranian  garden beauty. Tucked away in the lush northern region of Iran, this garden is a tranquil haven where you can escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. This historical complex was built by order of Shah Abbas I of the Safavid dynasty in the years 1020 and 1021. The extent of this Iranian garden reaches 500 hectares. Abbas Abad complex includes a garden, a lake, a bathhouse, and more. It boasts a harmonious blend of meticulously designed pathways, flowing water channels, and a variety of trees and plants that create a soothing, natural atmosphere. One of its standout features is the centuries-old cypress tree, which stands as a symbol of resilience and endurance. It’s a place where you can truly unwind and appreciate the timeless beauty of Persian garden design.

Chehel Sotoun Persian Garden (Isfahan)

Chehel-Sotoon is a historic garden and palace complex located in Isfahan, Iran. Its name, “Chehel-Sotoon,” referring to the twenty slender wooden columns that are reflected in the large rectangular pool in front of the palace. Chehel-Sotoon was built during the Safavid dynasty in the 17th century, particularly during the reign of Shah Abbas II. This garden and palace complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a significant cultural and historical attraction in Iran.

Akbarieh Persian Garden (Birjand)

Akbarieh Garden in Birjand, located in the South Khorasan Province, is a massive garden that covers about 45,069 square meters, and it’s even on UNESCO’s list of heritage sites. This garden sits in a hilly area and consists of two structures, with the oldest one dating back to the late Zandieh and early Qajar era (around 1300-1364 AD).

All Iranian gardens share three common features: first, they’re situated close to a water source, second, they’re surrounded by long walls, and finally, they have a central pool. Akbarieh Garden in Birjand follows this rule, and in addition to its lush environment, it has these three characteristics as well. The original design of this garden has deep roots in Iranian architectural art. The best times to visit this beautiful garden are in spring and autumn.

Pahlavanpour Persian Garden (Mehriz/Yazd)

The Pahlavanpour Garden, located in Mehriz County, Yazd Province, is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Iran and it is registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The first thing that soothes your soul when you enter the Pahlavanpour Garden is the sound of water flowing in its main stream. This garden’s architecture reflects the transition from traditional Iranian garden design to the contemporary style. In other words, it seamlessly combines historical elements with modern architectural features, which can also be seen in other structures from the same period in the garden.

In recent years, this place has been converted into the Pahlavanpour Garden Hotel, offering tourists the opportunity to experience a stay in the heart of a historically rich garden.

Delgosha Garden (Shiraz)

The delgosha garden, which is one of the most beautiful historical gardens in the city of Shiraz, dates back to three periods: the Sassanians, Safavids, and Qajars. During the Safavid era, this garden was considered one of the important recreational spots in Shiraz, so much so that European tourists have made numerous references to it in photos and images they collected. Delgasha Garden covers an area of 7.5 hectares, and most of the trees in this garden are citrus trees, especially oranges and lemons. In the month of Ordibehesht (April-May), these trees bloom with beautiful flowers and their delightful fragrance, making the garden a very pleasant place to be.

UNESCO Persian Gardens in Iran

The UNESCO Persian Gardens in Iran include renowned names such as Pasargadae Garden, Shazdeh Garden, Eram Garden, Fin Garden, Dowlat-Abad Garden, Abbas Abad Garden, Chehel Sotoun Garden, Akbarieh Garden, and Pahlavanpour Garden, to name a few. Each of these gardens holds a unique place in Iran’s cultural heritage, showcasing the country’s deep-rooted appreciation for the art of garden design and its harmonious connection with nature. These gardens are not just tourist attractions; they are living legacies that continue to inspire and captivate visitors from around the world.

FAQs about Persian Gardens

• What is the most beautiful Persian garden?
  The title of the most beautiful Persian garden is a matter of personal taste, with favorites like Eram Garden and Shazdeh Mahan Garden often mentioned by travelers.