Saednews: Shahzadeh Mahan Garden, or Shazdeh Mahan Garden, is one of the tourist attractions of Kerman and Mahan, and it is listed in the National Heritage of Iran and UNESCO's World Heritage.
According to the Tourism Service of Saednews, one of the cities located not far from Kerman but rich in many beautiful attractions is the city of Mahan. This city, in addition to the famous Shahzadeh Garden, which is registered with UNESCO, also has a pleasant climate.
The Shahzadeh Garden is like a green jewel in the heart of the desert, and its construction dates back to the Qajar era. This garden was built under the orders of Mohammad Hassan Khan in the middle of the Bam-Kerman road, which was once part of the Silk Road. This strategic location contributed to the prosperity of the city in ancient times. Once you enter the Shahzadeh Garden, you forget that it was built amidst the heat and deserts of Kerman. Towering trees, pools filled with water and roaring fountains, with streams that stretch to the end of the garden.
Although the lushness and irrigation of this garden in the desert may seem impossible and strange, it is important to note that Shahzadeh Garden is irrigated by qanat water and a river provided by the surrounding Choupar mountains. The sloping design of Iranian gardens allows the sound of water to echo throughout the garden and eventually flow into a stream that directs water toward a nearby village.
This vast garden, covering 705 hectares, transforms the desert into a green carpet, separated from the outside by tall fences.
Now, let’s see who Shahzadeh Mahan is, the prince after whom the garden is named. This prince was Abdulhamid Mirza Naser al-Dawla Farmanfarmayan, the granddaughter of Nasser al-Din Shah and the ruler of Kerman, who contributed to the completion and construction of this garden. There is an interesting story about Naser al-Dawla and this garden. It is said that when news of his death reached the gardener, he struck the plaster bowl he was holding against the wall in his excitement and abandoned his work. If you pay close attention during your visit, you will notice some parts of the garden lack decorations and fine details, which suggests they were left incomplete, such as the missing tiles above the entrance.
This large garden consists of several sections, creating an exceptional ensemble for the public:
Sadrkhaneh: This section, before entering the garden, serves as a transition from the dry external environment to the lush garden inside.
Balakhaneh: At the end of the garden, there is a two-story building known as the Shah Neshin Mansion. This building used to be the main or permanent residence of the garden's owner. If you want to have an unforgettable image of Shahzadeh Garden in your mind, it is recommended to go up the staircase inside the building to the second floor of Balakhaneh.
Private Garden: Behind the Balakhaneh section, there is a space offering a more private garden environment, featuring fruit orchards, shady trees, and walkways parallel to the Balakhaneh building, resembling a piece of paradise.
Hammam (Bathhouse): The bathhouse building consists of several interconnected spaces, which are located along the surrounding wall of the garden.
Za'im Bashi House and Watchtower: This part, located above the bathhouse, was the residence of the main guard of the garden. The watchtowers separate this area from the bathhouse, and they are connected to the Sadrkhaneh through a narrow, flat passage.
Although this garden was recently registered with UNESCO in 2010, its information has been translated into 35 languages for people around the world to marvel at. Despite the damage caused by the earthquake in 1981, the garden was rebuilt. In addition to being a beautiful retreat, the garden also houses a restaurant, hotel, and accommodation to make your trip to Kerman more enjoyable. There are also stalls selling souvenirs.
In constructing the buildings of Shahzadeh Mahan Garden, bricks were used along with a plaster covering. In some parts, such as the entrance gate, beautiful and eye-catching tiles can be seen. The walls of the garden are covered with mud plaster, and in areas leading to the Balakhaneh and entrance, they are decorated with gypsum plaster.
For the garden's flooring, pebbles and mortar were used, with geometric patterns decorating the surrounding areas of the mansion and the entrance gate. The steps and edges of the garden beds use bricks, and stone is used in the cracks between the garden plots and walkways.
Although some tiles are missing above the entrance of the garden, this is not due to destruction or the passage of time, but rather reflects the oppression of the ruler at the time. It is said that when the news of his death reached the garden's architect, he angrily struck his work tools against the wall and fled from there.
To visit Shahzadeh Mahan Garden, head to Kerman, then take the Kerman-Bam road. The garden is located 35 kilometers from Kerman and 6 kilometers before Mahan.
Address: 35 kilometers from Kerman, 6 kilometers from Mahan city.
Restaurant: Undoubtedly, sitting in the pleasant environment of the garden while enjoying delicious food is a delight. The garden features a restaurant in the Shah Neshin Mansion and sometimes outdoors, where guests are welcomed. The restaurant also offers free Wi-Fi.
Guesthouse: Enjoy your tour of Shahzadeh Mahan Garden without worrying about accommodation, as there is a guesthouse in the garden for overnight stays.
Horseback Riding: Horseback riding is available around the garden for enthusiasts, offering great enjoyment.
Handicraft Shopping: In some rooms of the garden's mansion, souvenirs, various rugs, and carpets are sold, which are definitely worth seeing and purchasing as gifts for family and friends.
Visiting hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Closed on: Official mourning days
Ticket prices:
Domestic visitors: 2,000 Toman
Foreign visitors: 15,000 Toman
Contact number: 034-3377-2103
