Shazdeh Garden, sometimes referred to as Shazdeh Mahan Garden, is among the most beautiful and well-known Iranian gardens, which even symbolizes the Persian landscape art. This Qajar-era paradise is located in the small town of Mahan, which is only 35 km southeast of Kerman in the southeastern part of Iran.
It also has the power to astonish visitors with the beauty and elegance of its architecture, its perfectly symmetrical layout and the creativity of a dramatic series of stepped waterfalls that flow through the lush green area, opposing the stark desert backdrop.
In 2011, the Shazdeh Garden in Iran was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of “The Persian Garden” and remains an unmissable highlight for those who are exploring Iran’s cultural treasures.
Shazdeh Garden History
The Shazdeh Garden history can be traced back to the Qajar dynasty, which reigned from 1779 to 1925. It was during the time of the governor of Kerman, Abdolhamid Mirza Farmanfarma, commonly referred to as Abdullah Khan, that construction of the garden started around 1873–1875.
The layout of the garden was intended to serve as both a governmental seat and a luxurious summer residence for the prince-governor. After the death of the governor in 1877, the project was taken over by his heir, Mohammad Reza Khan Baha al-Molk, who continued and completed it in 1880.
When Was Shazdeh Garden Built?
You may be asking, “When was Shazdeh Garden built?” Well, the Shazdeh Garden, Mahan, dates back to the late 19th century when it was built as part of the reign of Nasser al-Din Shah Qajar (1848–1896), which lasted for a long time.
The location was intentionally selected for its natural spring, which was on a gentle slope at the foot of the Tigran Mountains; thus, the architects could produce a wonderful terraced garden in a desert-like area. The rapid construction, which was finished in a few years, is a sign of the opulence and technical mastery of the Qajar dynasty.
Architecture and Design of Shazdeh Garden
The Shazdeh Garden plan is an impeccable model of the classical Persian garden style (Chahar Bagh) marked with a significant central axis, exact geometric proportions, terracing, and the practical use of water and greenery to represent an earthly paradise.
The rectangular garden measuring (407 × 122 meters) elevates 6.4 meters from the impressive lower entrance gate to the grand two-storied main pavilion at the upper end. The visitors at the lowest point go through an ornamental gate, then move upwards along a straight central water channel that is surrounded by tall cypress and pine trees. The terraces have a series of stepped waterfalls and fountains that not only create visual drama but also provide a cooling microclimate.
The upper pavilion features beautifully carved wooden columns, mirrored halls and panoramic balconies. This offers a wide view of the garden and the desolate Tigran Mountains beyond – a purposeful contrast that highlights the victory of human creativity over the desert.
The main building
The main building, which is a two-story pavilion that was used as a summer residence by the prince and his family. The building is decorated with beautiful tilework and stucco reliefs and offers stunning views of the garden and the surrounding desert landscape.
The water pool
The water pool, which is located at the center of the garden and is surrounded by four water channels that represent the four rivers of paradise in Islamic mythology. The pool is fed by a waterfall located at the far end of the garden and offers a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere that is perfect for relaxation and meditation.
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Shazdeh Garden Water Source
The Shazdeh Garden water source relies on a natural mountain spring referred to as “Qanat-e Tigran,” which is supplemented with custom-made underground aqueducts (qanats). The water appears at the topmost terrace behind the main pavilion and it is drained to the bottom through narrow waterfalls and the popular stepped waterfalls.
This clever gravity-powered system not only irrigates the thousands of trees and flowers but also cools the air and fills the garden with the calming effect of running water, which is also an important aspect of the Persian garden philosophy.
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Practical Information for Visitors
The following is useful information that visitors should keep in mind:
Tickets & Opening Hours
The Shazdeh Garden in Mahan is also open during the day, all the way through to sunset during the winters as well as in summer when the illuminated fountains produce a magical effect, opening at 8:00 AM and closing at 10:00-11:00 PM respectively.
About 500,000-600,000 IRR is paid as an entry fee by foreigners. It is strongly advised to purchase tickets in advance during Nowruz (Iranian New Year) or on weekends to prevent the long queues.
Facilities and Services
The garden has plenty of free parking space, clean public restrooms, a traditional teahouse and restaurant within the lower part, souvenir shops, and well-paved walks. The principal path is not very steep, yet there might be certain side terraces that involve the use of stairs and visitors with limited mobility or wheelchair usage might not be able to reach all the places.
Shazdeh Garden, Mahan, can be accessed easily by taxi or shared van either as a half-day outing with the Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine in Mahan (4050 minutes) or Kerman (4050 minutes).
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Shazdeh Garden Reviews
The Shazdeh Garden reviews on TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and Persian travel websites are constantly rated 4.8 to 4.9 out of 5. International tourists, as well as domestic ones, commend its flawless architecture, calm ambiance, unbelievable hygiene and the mind-boggling disparity of green vegetation and desert mountains.
The experience of climbing the hill along with the falling water is described by many people as a walk in a dream or a green miracle in the middle of nowhere. Shazdeh Garden photos are regularly featured in the lists of the most popular photos on every visit to Iran, particularly during sunset when the fountains are active, and the mountains turn golden.
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