Iran is not only about palaces and mosques, it also boasts world-famous Persian gardens, nine of which are officially registered as Unesco World Heritage. Spread throughout the country in different cities and provinces, these nine gardens represent different typologies of Persian garden, each different to better adapt to different landscapes.
The origins of the Persian garden are very ancient: the first examples seem to belong to Cyrus the Great's era in the 4th century BC. The garden had a precise meaning: in a land covered by two of the most arid deserts in the world (Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut), it was a peaceful regenerating oasis for caravans after days spent travelling in the heat suffering from thirst without shelter from the scorching sun.
This is the reason why the garden was so important for the Persian and Iranian culture, eventually symbolizing the meeting place between man and God. The theme of the garden has always influenced Iranian art, poetry, music and handcraft. Many of the carpets which make Iran famous feature patterns representing the Persian garden.
How are these garden made? They have a quadripartite structure, based on a careful study of proportions and symmetries. The irrigation system was very advanced and developed, allowing the creation of pools and fountains. The Persian garden deeply impressed ancient writers for its beauty and it's often mentioned in ancient texts.
The 9 World Heritage Persian gardens
Are you planning a trip to Iran and the Persian gardens sound intriguing? Here are the 9 gardens officially protected by Unesco for their beauty and because they represent the Persian culture and its evolution through time and space.
Ancient gardens of Pasargadae
The ruins of Pasargadae are located about 40 km from Persepolis archaeological site in the province of Fars. Pasargadae was the first capital of the great Achaemenid empire: it is believed it was founded in 546 BC by Cyrus the Great, which is buried in a tomb here. In Pasargadae you can see the remains of the gardens once ornating the royal palaces, which were also the first examples of Persian gardens.
Bagh-e Eram or Eram Gardens
Eram Gardens, also known as "the garden of heaven", are a magnificent example of Persian gardens from the 20th century, located in Shiraz. They include a palace from the Qajar era: both palace and gardens were built by the rulers of Fars province. They first belong to the royals of Iran, but today they are managed by the University of Shiraz and they are open to the public.
Chehel Sotoun Gardens
Located in Isfahan, Chehel Sotoun gardens are made up of a Persian pavilion inside a park. The name Chehel Sotoun means "Forty columns" because the columns of the pavilion, when reflected in the water of the opposite pool, seem to be forty. They were built by Shah Abbas I for meetings and entertainment.
Fin Gardens
Fin Gardens are situated in Fin village, near Kashan, and they contain the baths where minister Amir Kabir of the Qajar dynasty was murdered. It is the oldest garden still exhisting in Iran: its works ended in 1590, probably designed before the Safavid era. In an area of over two hectares, the gardens contain a central courtyard sorrounded by walls, many cypress trees and elaborate fountains powered by a cleverly designed irrigation system.
Abbas Abad Gardens
Abbas Abad Gardens are situated in the village of Altappeh in northern Iran. They were built around 1613. during the kingdom of Shah Abbas I and they feature architectural elements from the Safavid era. They include fountains, canals, pools and many trees: thanks to their beauty, these gardens were one of the favourite residences of the Safavid rulers. From the late17th century on, the park was abandoned and rediscovered only in 1967: today it is Unesco World Heritage and subject of excavations.
Shahzadeh Gardens
Mahan Shahzadeh Gardens ("the gardens of Mahan's Prince") are located 6 km from the town of Mahan in the province of Kerman. They extend with a rectangular shape for over five hectares and they are sorrounded by walls. They were accessed through a gate in the lower part, while on the opposite side, in a higher position, stood a residence. The park was adorned by fountains with water flowing thanks to the natural inclination of the soil. As the name suggests, these gardens were built for prince Mohammad Hasan Khan of the Qajar dynasty around 1850, later enlarged by other sovereigns.
Dolat Abbad Gardens
Dolat Abbad Gardens are located in Yazd and they include a small pavilion inside a park, both dating back to 1750. They were built to serve as a residence for Shah Karim Khan Zand. The interiors of the pavilion feature elaborate decorations and wonderful glass windows, even if the main feature of the complex is the 33 meters tall badgir which is also the higher wind tower in Iran.
Pahlavanpur Gardens
Pahlavanpur Gardens are located in Mehriz and they feature an orchard covering about five hectares, dating back to the Qajar era with architectures built during the Zand period. The buildings include a summer residence, winter quarters, public baths and kitchens.
Akbariyeh Gardens
Akbariyeh Gardens are located in the village with the same name in Khorasan mountains. They include two ancient mansions, dating back to the period between the end of Qajar dynasty and the beginning of Zand dynasty. The oldest two-storeyed building belonged to Ibrahim Khan Shokat, while the other was used for administrative matters by his son Shokat Al Molk. The complex also served as a residence. Today it hosts a library, an archaeology and anthropology museum, a traditional teahouse and an art school.
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