Green spaces have always played an important role in Iranians’ life. As Iran is an arid and semi-arid country, building lush gardens had been always a pleasant hobby for them to spend relaxing hours there. They have been experts in building gardens in a way that the concept of the Persian Garden is inscribed by UNESCO as a world heritage. We have talked about Eram Garden and Jahan Nama Garden. Now is the time to introduce another garden in Shiraz, Afif Abad garden.
Afif Abad Garden, the fabulous garden in Shiraz
What you will read in this article are:
- Afif Abad Garden, the fabulous garden in Shiraz
- Why visiting Afif Abad garden in Shiraz is recommended?
- Afif Abad garden throughout history
- Different parts of Afif Abad garden in Shiraz
- What monuments are near Afifabad Garden in Shiraz?
- What restaurants are near Afifabad Garden in Shiraz?
- Don't forget to book a tour to Afif Abad Garden
- Know Before You Go
- Shiraz
| Monument Name |
Afif-Abad Garden, Afifabad Garden, Gulshan Garden, Golshan Garden, باغ عفیف آباد, باغ گلشن |
Contact No. | +98(0)7136267343 |
| Monument Category | Garden | Website | N/A |
| City | Shiraz | Coordinates | 29°37′23.38″N 52°29′54.1″E |
Afif Abad Garden of Shiraz, which is also commonly referred to as Gulshan Garden is one of the historical gardens in Shiraz. This garden was built during the Safavid period in the 16th century and has undergone changes in the next centuries; now this garden is turned into a military museum where you can see a variety of military equipment and weapons from the old ages to the current time. Afif Abad Museum is the largest military museum in the Middle East.
Among the historical equipment, there are two pieces of equipment with remarkable historical backgrounds. In front of the entrance stairs, the chariot that was used for the funeral of Reza Shah of the Pahlavi dynasty and the cannon of Fathali Shah of the Qajar dynasty are located.
Afif Abad garden is recently used as a perfect place for music performances. Come and be dazzled by the magnificent sight of Afif Abad garden and let the ethnic music and lights entertain you. Songs of Iran, created and performed by local musicians features traditional instruments like the Tar, Setar, Santur and more. Immerse in tunes from popular Iran classic tunes and light shows on Afif Abad mansion. This event is not to be missed. Take part in Shiraz Garden Tour to visit this garden.
Afif Abad garden is the first event street and urban space in the city of Shiraz where you can meet the locals, walk and enjoy the greenery.
This garden, whose architecture is a mixture of architectural features of the Achaemenid, Sassanid, Zand and Qajar eras, was registered in the list of national monuments of Iran.
Let us introduce you the easiest way to get Iran Visa to visit Afif Abad Garden if you have the temptation of visiting Afif Abad Garden. As soon as you are in Iran you may need a comfortable Airport Transfer. Let us arrange it for you at the lowest rates.
Why visiting Afif Abad garden in Shiraz is recommended?
Visiting Afif Abad garden is interesting for these reasons:
- It is one of the historical monuments in Shiraz.
- A royal mansion, a museum and an attractive Persian garden await you.
- When you walk in this garden, you are following the steps of the Persian kings.
- It has architectural features of the Achaemenid, Sassanid and Qajar eras.
- Some cultural events like the music concerts happen in this garden.
Afif Abad garden throughout history
Afif Abad garden throughout historyAfif Abad Garden is one of the oldest gardens in Shiraz, which was built during the Safavid period and has been one of the main promenades of the Persian kings.
During the Pahlavi era, this garden was given as a gift to Farah Pahlavi, the queen of Iran and finally, the army succeeded in buying this 127,000 square meter garden during an auction. Afif Abad Garden is still owned by the army and is open to the public.
Different parts of Afif Abad garden in Shiraz
This garden is about 127 thousand square meters and has a simple structure; it consists of a mansion, a traditional bath and a coffee house inside an Iranian garden.
At the entrance, 4 pillars can be seen that are inspired by the Persepolis. Two stone lions are located at the entrance as if they are holding the gates by their claws. A corridor leads you to the garden where the mansion is located.
The mansion
The mansion located in the middle of the garden has two floors and 30 rooms. The lower floor has been turned into a military museum. The second floor has a long corridor with rooms on either side.
In the center of this floor, there is a large and magnificent hall. The roof of the hall is wooden and is decorated with floral patterns, hunting occasion, feasts and celebrations. The walls are tiled and the doors are decorated with stained glasses. The rooms on this floor include conference rooms, dressing rooms, living rooms, reception and gambling rooms.
Traditional bath
The traditional bath in this garden is similar to other traditional Iranian baths like the Vakil bath in Shiraz. It consists of two cold water and hot water reservoirs. The walls of this bath are covered with paintings from old mythical Persian stories.
The coffee shop
The traditional coffee shop in Afif Abad garden is built in the old Iranian architecture style. A small basin is located in the middle of its courtyard and the surrounding walls are adorned by the paintings of Shahnameh, the Persian epic written by Ferdowsi, stories.
What monuments are near Afifabad Garden in Shiraz?
Shiraz Art Garden: 1.3 km- Sepehr Shopping Center: 0.3 km
- Setareh Shopping Center: 0.5 km
Shiraz Art Garden: 1.3 kmWhat restaurants are near Afifabad Garden in Shiraz?
- Brentin Restaurant
- Sufi Restaurant
- Dakoma Cafe
- Namak Restaurant
Know Before You Go
Afifabad Garden in Shiraz is located at the end of Afifabad Street, close to Sattar Khan Street.
The best way is to take part in one of the Shiraz garden tour of Leaveabode.
You can use a private car or public transport to reach Afifabad Garden. The best choice to access Afifabad Garden from different parts of the city is a taxi.
By Metro: The nearest metro stations are Zargari (Motahhari) and Avini stations, then take by taxi to Afifabad garden.
By Bus: Take the buses that run on Esteghlal Boulevard and get off at the Besat Boulevard. Then a short walk takes you to the garden.
Seasons |
Hours |
| Spring and summer | from 8:00 to 17:30 |
| Autumn and winter | from 8:00 to 17:30 |
The required time from this monument is 2 to 3 hours.
- 1 April
- 4 May
- 14 & 15 May
- 4 & 5 & 7 June
- 18 & 19 August
- 6 & 7 October
The dates may be changeable so get in touch with us for more accurate info. info@leaveabode.com.
The best time to visit Afifabad Garden, like other gardens in Shiraz, is May. Of course, this garden also has its charm in other seasons of the year. Even in winter, visiting the military museum can be memorable.
day Tours nearby Afifabad Garden
Attractions Near Afif Abad Garden
Monuments in the same category
Afif Abad is a beautiful and green environment full of historical war equipment and a museum full of old war tools. It also has a good coffee shop. But its museum does not have emergency electricity. When the electricity is cut off, you have to quite until the electricity is turned on, then you can come back!
It is one of the most beautiful historical gardens of Shiraz. This garden was one of the most important gardens and was used by Safavid kings. At the end of the Qajar period, this garden was given to Afifa Khanum, the niece of the garden’s founder. He made extensive changes and improvements in this garden, and for this reason, this garden is known as Afifabad.
Unfortunately, this garden is less visited by the foreign tourists.
Afifabad or Golshan Garden is one of the historical monuments of Shiraz. This garden is located on Afifabad Street in Shiraz and is now in the possession of the army and has one of the largest weapons museums in the Middle East.