Persian Gardens of Iran

The UNESCO Sites

Persian Gardens is one of Iran’s 28 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (as of September 2024). One of Iran’s main tourist attractions is Iranian historical gardens, which are situated in different regions of Iran. UNESCO collected 9 gardens under the name of the Persian Gardens and registered them in their heritage sites in 2011.

Across time and in various climates, this type of designed garden has taken on a multitude of forms. Chahar Bagh, or the Persian Garden’s original principle, adapts in new ways over the centuries. It first matured in the garden of Cyrus the Great’s palace complex, in Pasargadae, more than two thousand years ago. Persian Garden exemplifies the ideals of art, philosophy, symbolism, and religion through a combination of natural elements and man-made elements. In a way, the Persian Garden is an Earthly Paradise or Eden.

 

No	Name of the Gardens	Region	Province/ City	Geographical Coordinates
1	Ancient Garden of Pasargadae	Iran Plateau	Fars/Shiraz	N: 30˚ 10΄ 0.0΄΄ E: 53˚ 10΄ 0.0΄΄
2	Bagh-e Eram	Iran Plateau	Fars/Shiraz	N: 29˚ 38΄ 10.03΄΄ E: 52˚ 31΄ 31΄΄
3	Bagh-e Chehel Sotun	Iran Plateau	Esfahan/Isfahan	N: 32˚ 39΄ 27΄΄ E: 51˚ 40΄ 20΄΄
4	Bagh-e Fin	West of Dasht-e Kavir Desert	Esfahan/ Kashan	N: 33˚ 22΄ 20.53΄΄ E: 51˚ 22΄ 20.53΄΄
5	Bagh-e Abas Abad	Caspian Sea	Mazandaran/ Behshahr	N: 36˚ 39΄ 50΄΄ E: 53˚ 35΄ 38΄΄
6	Bagh-e Shahzadeh	South west of Dasht-e Lut Desert	Kerman/ Mahan	N: 30˚ 01΄ 30΄΄ E: 57˚ 16΄ 59΄΄
7	Bagh-e Dolat Abad	Iran Plateau	Yazd/Yazd	N: 31˚ 54΄ 12.30΄΄ E: 54˚ 21΄ 6.59΄΄
8	Bagh-e Pahlavanpur	Iran Plateau	Yazd/ Mehriz	N: 31˚ 33΄ 36.6΄΄ E: 54˚ 26΄ 25.21΄΄
9	Bagh-e Akbariyeh	Desert (North of Dasht-e Lut)	Southern Khorasan/ Birjand	N: 32˚ D1΄ 10΄΄ E: 59˚ 13΄ 40΄΄

 

 

1. Ancient garden of Pasargadae

(The Cradle of the Persian Empire)

Located in the heart of Iran’s Fars Province, Pasargadae is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant historical landmarks in the country. Founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BCE, Pasargadae served as the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire and stands as a testament to the grandeur of ancient Persian civilization. The site is home to the Tomb of Cyrus the Great, a simple yet majestic structure that has inspired awe for millennia. Surrounding the tomb are the remains of palaces, gardens, and fortifications, showcasing the innovative architecture and urban planning of the Achaemenid era. Pasargadae’s serene atmosphere and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking to connect with Iran’s ancient past.

 

2. Bagh-e Eram

(A Persian Paradise in Shiraz)

Nestled in the heart of Shiraz, Bagh-e Eram (Eram Garden) is a stunning example of a Persian garden and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its lush greenery, vibrant flowerbeds, and tranquil atmosphere, this historic garden is a masterpiece of Persian landscape architecture. At its center stands the elegant Qavam House, a 19th-century mansion adorned with intricate tilework and stained glass windows. The garden’s symmetrical design, flowing water channels, and towering cypress trees create a serene oasis that has inspired poets and travelers for centuries. A visit to Bagh-e Eram offers a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into the timeless beauty of Persian gardens, making it a must-see destination in Shiraz.

 

3. Bagh-e Chehel Sotun 

(A Timeless Oasis of Persian Elegance)

Located in the historic city of Isfahan, Bagh-e Chehel Sotun (Garden of Forty Columns) is a magnificent Persian garden and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 17th century during the Safavid era, this enchanting garden is centered around a grand pavilion featuring twenty slender wooden columns that, when reflected in the adjacent pool, appear to double in number—hence the name “Forty Columns.” The pavilion is adorned with stunning frescoes, intricate mirror work, and historical paintings that depict royal receptions and battles, offering a glimpse into Iran’s rich history. Surrounded by lush greenery, fountains, and serene water channels, Bagh-e Chehel Sotun is a masterpiece of Persian art and architecture, providing visitors with a tranquil escape and a deep connection to Iran’s royal past.

 

4. Bagh-e Fin 

(A Timeless Oasis of Persian Elegance)

Located in the city of Kashan, Bagh-e Fin (Fin Garden) is one of Iran’s most exquisite Persian gardens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the Safavid era in the 16th century, this historic garden is a masterpiece of Persian landscape design, featuring symmetrical pathways, lush greenery, and a network of flowing water channels fed by natural springs. The garden’s centerpiece is the Fin Bathhouse, where the tragic assassination of Amir Kabir, a prominent Qajar-era statesman, took place. With its serene atmosphere, towering cypress trees, and beautifully preserved pavilions, Bagh-e Fin offers a peaceful retreat and a fascinating glimpse into Iran’s architectural and horticultural heritage. A visit to this enchanting garden is a journey into the elegance and tranquility of Persian culture.

 

 

5. Bagh-e Abas Abad

(A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Nature)

Located near the city of Behshahr in northern Iran, Bagh-e Abbas Abad is a stunning historical complex and one of the largest Persian gardens in the country. Built during the Safavid era in the 17th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is nestled amidst lush forests and rolling hills, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and architectural ingenuity. The garden features a large artificial lake, terraced landscapes, and ancient structures such as a bathhouse, towers, and a brick dam. The serene atmosphere and breathtaking views make Bagh-e Abbas Abad a perfect destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re exploring its tranquil pathways or marveling at its historical ruins, a visit to Bagh-e Abbas Abad is a journey into the harmony of nature and Persian artistry.

 

 

6. Bagh-e Shahzadeh

(A Desert Oasis of Persian Grandeur)

Nestled at the edge of the Kerman Desert near the town of Mahan, Bagh-e Shahzadeh (Shahzadeh Garden) is a breathtaking Persian garden and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the late 19th century during the Qajar era, this lush oasis contrasts strikingly with the surrounding arid landscape, showcasing the ingenuity of Persian garden design. The garden features a cascading series of fountains, terraced levels, and a central water channel that flows through a picturesque pavilion. Towering trees, vibrant flowerbeds, and the backdrop of the Jebal Barez Mountains create a serene and enchanting atmosphere. Bagh-e Shahzadeh is not only a testament to Persian architectural brilliance but also a peaceful retreat that captivates visitors with its beauty and harmony. A visit to this desert paradise is a must for anyone exploring Iran’s cultural and natural treasures.

 

 

7. Bagh-e Dolat Abad

(A Masterpiece of Persian Gardens and Architecture)

Located in the historic city of Yazd, Bagh-e Dolat Abad is a stunning Persian garden and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its elegant design and ingenious use of water. Built in the 18th century during the Zand dynasty, this garden is a perfect example of traditional Persian landscaping, featuring symmetrical pathways, lush greenery, and a central water channel. The highlight of Bagh-e Dolat Abad is its iconic windcatcher (badgir), the tallest in Iran, which showcases the region’s ancient cooling techniques. The garden also includes a beautiful pavilion adorned with intricate stained glass windows, delicate latticework, and vibrant tilework. With its tranquil atmosphere and harmonious blend of nature and architecture, Bagh-e Dolat Abad offers visitors a serene escape and a glimpse into the ingenuity of Persian garden design. A visit to this enchanting garden is a must for anyone exploring Yazd’s rich cultural heritage.

 

 

8. Bagh-e Pahlavanpur

(A Hidden Treasure of Persian Gardens)

Located in the charming city of Mehriz, near Yazd, Bagh-e Pahlavanpur is a lesser-known but equally captivating Persian garden that dates back to the Qajar era. This historic garden is a serene oasis, featuring lush greenery, flowing water channels, and a central pavilion surrounded by fruit trees and fragrant flowers. Built by a wealthy merchant, the garden reflects the traditional Persian garden design, emphasizing symmetry, tranquility, and harmony with nature. Bagh-e Pahlavanpur also includes a traditional qanat system, showcasing the ingenuity of ancient Iranian water management. With its peaceful atmosphere and picturesque setting, the garden offers a perfect retreat for travelers seeking to experience the timeless beauty of Persian gardens away from the crowds. A visit to Bagh-e Pahlavanpur is a journey into the elegance and simplicity of Iran’s horticultural heritage.

 

 

9. Bagh-e Akbariyeh

( A Historical Gem in Birjand)

Located in the city of Birjand in eastern Iran, Bagh-e Akbariyeh is a historic Persian garden that dates back to the Qajar era. This elegant garden is part of the larger Akbariyeh Complex, which includes a mansion, a museum, and a library. Designed in the classic Persian garden style, Bagh-e Akbariyeh features symmetrical pathways, lush greenery, and a central water channel that creates a serene and harmonious atmosphere. The garden’s pavilion, with its intricate stucco work and beautiful architecture, adds to its charm. Once a private retreat for the local rulers, Bagh-e Akbariyeh now serves as a cultural and historical site, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage. With its tranquil setting and historical significance, this garden is a must-visit destination for those exploring the lesser-known treasures of Iran.