Tucked beside Arg Karim Khan, Bagh-e Nazar is an 18th-century green refuge in Shiraz where an octagonal pavilion, reflective pools and priceless manuscripts make time feel softer.
Imagine that after wandering Shiraz’s busy streets you arrive somewhere the world seems to pause for a moment. Bagh-e Nazar in Shiraz is that place: beneath its towering trees you can sit and let a cool breeze lift your tiredness. This peaceful, leafy garden is one of those spots that is hard to leave.
But the garden’s charm isn’t only natural. At its heart stands an eye-catching octagonal pavilion that houses the Pars Museum — a place where historic and artistic objects come together. Whether you want to explore or simply find quiet, Bagh-e Nazar is one of Shiraz’s sights that won’t disappoint.
If you visit Shiraz, don’t miss Bagh-e Nazar. To plan your visit and learn more, follow this piece from Alibaba Travel Magazine to the end.
Close your eyes for a moment and picture a garden that breathes calm — where birdsong mixes with the rustle of leaves and the scent of flowers takes your breath away. This is Bagh-e Nazar in Shiraz, one of the city’s most special attractions where nature and the grandeur of Iranian architecture are framed together.
Bagh-e Nazar — also known as the Pars Museum or the Kolaah-Farangi pavilion — features an eight-sided building that is its main attraction. Originally built to host royal guests and ceremonial events, the pavilion now houses the Pars Museum, which holds a valuable collection of historic and artistic objects.
The garden is also the site of Karim Khan Zand’s tomb, adding further significance to the place.
Address: Shiraz, Zand Street, near Municipality Square, adjacent to Arg Karim Khan. The Pars Museum sits in the city centre within one of Shiraz’s most important historic districts, making it easy to visit other nearby attractions.
Because of its central location, the Pars Museum is very accessible and only minutes from the city centre and Municipality Square.
If you use a taxi, ask the driver for Zand Street or Bagh-e Nazar; the street is one of Shiraz’s main arteries and will bring you to the area. Bus lines that pass Municipality Square are also convenient — from the stop it is only a short walk to the garden.
If you drive, use the surrounding parking near Municipality Square: Zand Street is often busy and crowded. The garden is only a short distance from Arg Karim Khan and other central sights, allowing you to combine visits easily.
The name Bagh-e Nazar is rooted in history and the garden’s original function. Built during the Zand period by Karim Khan Zand, the garden served as an official reception venue for ambassadors and high officials — a place designed to attract attention and comment. For that reason it was named “Nazar,” as it drew viewers’ notice.
Others say the name reflects the garden’s striking design and majestic atmosphere that naturally caught every visitor’s eye. Over time the name stuck and Bagh-e Nazar became one of Shiraz’s enduring attractions, still drawing admiration.
Bagh-e Nazar is one of the standout legacies of the Zand era, more than 250 years old. Built in the 18th century on Karim Khan Zand’s orders, its original purpose was formal hospitality for state guests, ambassadors and ceremonial events.
Originally grand and lush, the garden’s octagonal Kolaah-Farangi pavilion became its focal point. This pavilion, with striking architecture and ornate decorations, symbolised Zand power and artistry. The garden’s most important historical event is Karim Khan Zand’s burial here.
After the Zand dynasty’s fall the garden lost some of its former glory and parts were damaged during the Qajar era. Nevertheless, because of the pavilion’s cultural and artistic importance, restoration efforts took place in the Pahlavi era.
Today Bagh-e Nazar is recognised as a tourist attraction; its pavilion operates as the Pars Museum. The Cultural Heritage Organisation currently manages the site and restoration continues on some elements. Despite upheavals, the garden retains the Zand spirit and the dignity of Shiraz.
Bagh-e Nazar Museum and its eight-sided pavilion are an exceptional example of Zand-era architecture that blends with nature to convey balance and beauty. The garden is spacious and the main pavilion sits centrally.
– Architectural style and pavilion design
The pavilion’s main building covers about 560 square metres and is designed in an Iranian-Islamic style. Master craftsmen of the Zand era used symmetry and geometry to create elegance and refinement. The octagonal Kolaah-Farangi pavilion, with its open spaces and abundant daylight, is the architectural highlight.
– Materials and interior decoration
Traditional materials such as sun-dried brick, clay, baked brick and wood were used. Interior walls feature delicate plasterwork and mural paintings of floral and arabesque motifs. The ceiling is painted with colourful designs, giving the room a regal atmosphere.
– Entrances and corridors
The Pars Museum and pavilion have several entrances that lead to the main building and adjacent halls. These entrances include large wooden doors and stained-glass windows that cast coloured light into the interior during the day.
– Throne room and halls
At the building’s centre lies the throne room, framed by wooden columns and intricate carvings. This hall was used for official ceremonies and receptions and is designed to be open and grand.
– Interior pool and green space
A beautiful stone pool sits in the pavilion’s interior, enhancing calm and beauty. The pool’s edges are adorned with turquoise tiles.
– Tilework and columns
The pavilion’s exterior is decorated with seven-colour tiles featuring geometric and floral designs; the surrounding columns show plasterwork and arabesque patterns.
– Steps and access
A set of carefully crafted stone stairs leads into the throne room and adjacent halls, allowing easy access between sections.
Museum tours in Shiraz — a roundup.
Recommended reading: Museum tours in Shiraz.
Bagh-e Nazar Museum is both a historic green space and a collection of distinct sections worth visiting on their own: landscaped areas, calming pools and fountains, Karim Khan Zand’s tomb, and the decorative pavilion that together offer an unforgettable journey through history and art.
– Garden and green space
The garden’s green design combines nature and Iranian architectural principles. Tall trees, colourful flowers and expansive lawns make for a peaceful visit.
– Pools and fountains
One of the garden’s most attractive features is its pools and fountains, which bring freshness and life. A large stone pool at the pavilion’s centre is tiled in blue and contributes a dreamlike reflection.
– Karim Khan Zand’s tomb
Karim Khan Zand’s tomb is located within Bagh-e Nazar. Its fine stonework and respectful setting mark it as a site of high historic significance.
– Decorations
The central pavilion’s decorations are a hallmark of Zand craftsmanship: delicate plasterwork, vivid murals and seven-colour tile facades. Stained glass windows scatter coloured light across interiors, creating a unique atmosphere.
The Pars Museum holds valuable and surprising objects that take you deep into Iran’s history.
The Pars Museum displays works from several historical periods, from the Zand era through the Qajar dynasty. A visit introduces you to masterpieces of Iranian culture, art and architecture.
– Books and manuscripts
A distinguished collection of rare books and manuscripts is one of the museum’s highlights. Written by master calligraphers, these volumes include religious, literary and scientific texts displaying exquisite handwriting and decorative illumination.
– The 17-man Qur’an
One of the museum’s most prized items is the 17-man Qur’an — a handwritten, precious Qur’an weighing about 17 man, roughly 51 kilograms. It is said to have been commissioned by Karim Khan Zand and holds religious and artistic significance.
– Paintings
Paintings from the Zand and Qajar eras, including portraits and court scenes, form part of the collection and highlight the visual styles of those periods.
– Objects, vessels and sculptures
The Pars Museum preserves ceramics, vases and decorative sculptures that reflect the technical skill and creativity of Iranian artisans across eras.
– On-site historic items
Beyond the pavilion and museum objects, the garden itself — with Karim Khan’s tomb, landscaping and original design — is an artifact of historic value.
The area around Bagh-e Nazar is rich with attractions. From Arg Karim Khan to Hafez’s Tomb, many major sites are within short distances and together make a memorable itinerary.
– Arg Karim Khan (Karim Khan Citadel)
A five-minute walk from Bagh-e Nazar takes you to Arg Karim Khan, the fortified residence and government centre of Karim Khan Zand. It features courtyard pools, gardens and tall defensive walls — a well-preserved example of Zand architecture.
– Vakil Mosque
About a ten-minute walk from Bagh-e Nazar, Vakil Mosque is famed for its tilework and Grand Hall, designed by Karim Khan; its decorated courtyard and columns are especially notable.
– Vakil Bath
Also roughly a ten-minute walk from the garden, Vakil Bath is a prime example of traditional Iranian bath architecture, now serving cultural and visitor functions.
– Khan School (Madreseh Khan)
Approximately 15 minutes by car, this historic school dates to the Safavid era and is known for its large courtyard and vivid tilework.
– Hafez Mausoleum (Hafezieh)
Around 15 minutes by car from Bagh-e Nazar, Hafez’s Tomb is a poetic, leafy site dedicated to the great Persian lyric poet; it offers a white pavilion, green grounds and a reflective atmosphere.
For a memorable visit to Bagh-e Nazar (Pars Museum), bring a camera to capture the garden’s beauty and wear comfortable shoes for walking. An entrance fee is required, and rates differ for Iranian and foreign visitors.
The garden welcomes visitors every day, including holidays. The main highlights are the Kolaah-Farangi pavilion, Karim Khan Zand’s tomb and the tranquil green spaces — each offering a unique encounter with history and nature.
Item | Note |
|---|---|
Pavilion area | ~560 m² (main building) |
17-man Qur’an | Handwritten Qur’an, ~51 kg; said to be commissioned by Karim Khan Zand |
Manuscripts & books | Rare, calligraphed religious, literary and scientific volumes |
Paintings | Zand and Qajar era portraits and court scenes |
Ceramics / vessels / sculptures | Decorative objects representing Iranian craftsmanship |
Attraction | Distance / Time from Bagh-e Nazar | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Arg Karim Khan | ~5 minutes on foot | Historic citadel and garden |
Vakil Mosque | ~10 minutes on foot | Noted for tilework and hall |
Vakil Bath | ~10 minutes on foot | Traditional bathhouse, cultural site |
Madreseh Khan (Khan School) | ~15 minutes by car | Historic school with tilework |
Hafez Mausoleum (Hafezieh) | ~15 minutes by car | Poet’s tomb and gardens |
Tip | Short explanation |
|---|---|
Bring a camera | The pavilion, pools and stained glass provide strong photo opportunities. |
Wear comfortable shoes | The site is best explored on foot; comfortable footwear advised. |
Expect an entrance fee | Admission is required; rates differ for Iranian and foreign visitors. |
Visit any day | The garden is open every day, including holidays. |
Combine nearby sights | Pair your visit with Arg Karim Khan, Vakil Mosque or Hafezieh for a full day. |
Respect ongoing restoration | The site is under cultural heritage management and restoration in places — be mindful. |
