Where is the Shapouri Mansion?

Shiraz, the magical city full of beauty, is stunning not only in spring but also in autumn. Among the gardens of Shiraz, Shapouri House, or the Shapouri Garden, is one of the most unique sights in Shiraz, especially in autumn. This mansion, a remnant from the Pahlavi era, has global fame.

Shapouri House in Shiraz dates back to the early Pahlavi period and is located in the heart of Shiraz. In October 2000, it was registered as one of Iran's national heritage sites.

Famous Shiraz architect Abolghasem Mohandesi, commissioned by Abdul-Sahab Shapouri, one of the biggest merchants of Kazerun, worked on designing and constructing this magnificent mansion from 1931 to 1936. Finally, he completed it in a unique and grand style.

It’s interesting to know that until the 1970s, Shapouri House was used by the Shapouri family, but in 1999, the Cultural Heritage Organization of Fars Province purchased it and registered it as a cultural heritage of Iran.

Why visit Shapouri Garden and Mansion?

• It is one of the most beautiful attractions in Fars Province.

• It is considered one of the most beautiful buildings and gardens in Shiraz.

• Its unique European-style architecture sets it apart from other historical houses in Iran.

• The lighting and ambiance of Shapouri House at night are truly mesmerizing and memorable.

• You can also enjoy the restaurant and art exhibitions available within the complex.

History of Shapouri Mansion: This mansion was constructed from 1931 to 1936 under the supervision of the famous architect Abolghasem Mohandesi and belonged to Abdul-Sahab Shapouri, one of Shiraz's wealthiest merchants. Until the early 1970s, the Shapouri family lived in this mansion, but a few years after, it became abandoned.

In 1999, the Cultural Heritage Organization of Fars Province acquired the mansion and registered it as a national monument.

Architecture of Shapouri Mansion: The Shapouri Mansion consists of two floors, with a total area of 840 square meters and a land area of 4635 square meters. It was built in the Qajar architectural style and is among the first buildings designed with an open architectural approach.

The main access to the mansion is not along the central axis, and to enter it, you must make a 90-degree turn from the northern side. The garden paths follow a perfectly symmetrical design, but the trees are not planted symmetrically. Additionally, adding a balcony was an unconventional feature in Iranian architecture, but it is used here.

The mansion’s layout is quite unique and exceptional for its time. For example, a staircase is included in the design, which is not typically seen in buildings of that period. Inside the mansion, there are many rooms, each with its own specific function. The innovations in the Shapouri Mansion garden blend Iranian and European styles, making it a fusion of both.

The mansion’s western façade features round and ornate stucco columns with Achaemenid-style tiles on the upper porch, and in the center of the garden, there is a large five-petaled pool that enhances the beauty of the garden. Among the trees planted in the garden, there are cypress, maple, plane, fig, pomegranate, bitter orange, and date palm, along with roses and geraniums that adorn the garden beautifully.

Unique Characteristics of the Mansion:

• Access to the mansion is not from the main axis but requires a 90-degree turn from the northern side.

• Like other Persian gardens, symmetry is followed along the main axis, but the trees are not planted symmetrically.

• A staircase is included inside the mansion, which was uncommon in buildings of that period.

• The design of the mansion includes a unique function for each room, unlike the multi-purpose rooms typically seen in traditional houses.

• The addition of balconies, which were not traditionally used in Iranian architecture, is another distinguishing feature.

• Fourteen columns surround the balcony, with unique decorations that give the space a distinct identity.

The summer resting area (veranda) also has a balcony and columns similar to those on the main balcony.

Shapouri Garden and Mansion’s Ambience: One of Shiraz’s greatest charms is how it can surprise you with its beauty, buildings, gardens, streets, and the delightful atmosphere that flows through the city. One of the biggest surprises is Shapouri Garden and Mansion, which, with its special and unique design, special lighting that shines like a gem in the darkness, and its relaxing atmosphere, offers a different kind of experience.

Dining in Shapouri Mansion: Part of the Shapouri House is used as a restaurant and café, where you can enjoy traditional Iranian dishes, fast food, hot and cold drinks in a cozy atmosphere with a fantastic view of the surrounding landscape.

Art Exhibition and Handicrafts of Shiraz: In addition to the Iranian architecture and decorations used throughout the mansion, you can also find other forms of art from Iran and Fars Province. With the efforts of the Cultural Heritage Organization of Fars Province and the owner of Shapouri Mansion, an art and handicraft exhibition is displayed in various sections of the mansion, allowing visitors to enjoy authentic Iranian art in a European-style mansion.

Differences and Similarities Between Shapouri Garden and Traditional Persian Gardens: As we mentioned before, Shapouri Garden has some differences in design compared to traditional Persian gardens. It is an example of early Pahlavi-era garden design when Iranian gardens began to blend with European styles.

Design: The design of Shapouri Garden is completely non-Iranian. In traditional Iranian gardens, the central pool is typically rectangular and aligned with the garden and main entrance, but in Shapouri Garden, the pool’s shape is entirely different. The main pool is five-petaled, and the surrounding paths are curved to accommodate vehicular traffic. This is a non-Iranian design element that was rarely seen in traditional Iranian architecture.

Water Movement Design: Unlike traditional Iranian gardens, Shapouri Garden does not feature the characteristic water flow towards the pools. The water that flows through the garden’s channels does not reach the pools.

Tree Planting Rhythm: The planting rhythm of trees is another difference in Shapouri Garden. Unlike traditional Iranian gardens, the trees in Shapouri Garden are not symmetrically planted, and the garden’s view is completely open, which is indicative of European-style gardens.

Mansion Placement: In other gardens of that time in Shiraz, mansions were aligned along the central axis of the garden, but Shapouri Mansion is located on the northern side of the garden, 90 degrees off the central axis. However, some symmetry is still maintained in the pool and path designs.

Similarities with Traditional Persian Gardens: The types of plants used in Shapouri Garden are similar to those found in traditional Persian gardens. There are also garden sections with water and fountains, the mansion is placed in the garden’s center, and the garden is enclosed by a wall, all features typical of Persian gardens.

Access to Shapouri House: Shapouri House is located on Zandieh Boulevard, in the Anvari neighborhood. To get there, simply head to this area, and with the help of signposts or asking locals, you will find the mansion. The address is: Zandieh Boulevard, Anvari Street, Shapouri Mansion.

For a taxi ride, just tell the driver you want to go to Shapouri House in Shiraz. You can also use the Shiraz metro. Get off at the Zandieh station and walk 500 meters from Toheed Street toward Anvari to reach your destination. If you prefer to use the bus, take the route from Valiasr Terminal to Namazi Terminal, and get off at the Zandieh intersection.