What is specific about the Delgosha Garden? How old is the Delgosha Garden?
Situated in the heart of Shiraz, a city renowned for its poetry, wine, and stunning historical sites, lies Delgosha Garden—a haven of tranquility and beauty that beckons travelers from around the globe. This enchanting garden, whose name translates to “Heart-Opening Garden,” truly lives up to its title, offering a serene escape from the bustling streets of the city.
Delgosha Garden is a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Iran, showcasing the elegance and opulence that have long been the hallmarks of Persian gardens. The origins of Delgosha Garden date back to the pre-Islamic era, making it one of the oldest and most cherished gardens in Shiraz.
As you step through its ornate gates, you are greeted by the fragrance of blooming orange trees and the soothing sound of flowing water from the central fountains. The garden’s layout is meticulously designed to reflect the classical Persian garden aesthetic, with symmetrical pathways, lush greenery, and vibrant flowerbeds creating a harmonious blend of nature and artistry.
One of the most captivating features of Delgosha Garden is its historical mansion, adorned with exquisite stucco work and colorful tile mosaics that narrate tales of a bygone era. This mansion, once a summer retreat for royalty and poets, now serves as a museum that offers a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of its former inhabitants.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Delgosha Garden in Shiraz promises an unforgettable experience. The garden’s timeless beauty and serene ambiance invite you to linger a little longer, to explore its hidden corners, and to immerse yourself in the stories it has to tell. Join us as we delve deeper into the allure of Delgosha Garden, where every step is a journey through time and every view is a work of art.
Facts about Delgosha Garden
- Architecturally, the garden features classic Persian elements such as high surrounding walls, water channels, and a central pavilion.
- The historic mansion within the garden now serves as a museum, showcasing a diverse collection of historical artifacts.
- Delgosha Garden, with its rich architectural heritage, is best visited during the spring months, especially from March to May.
- Springtime in the garden is characterized by mild weather and the blooming of vibrant flowers.
- The garden is particularly renowned for its blossoming orange trees, filling the air with a sweet fragrance.
- Norooz (Persian New Year) celebrations often take place in the garden during the spring months.
- Early morning and late afternoon are the optimal times to visit, offering cooler temperatures and soft lighting.
- The garden’s tranquil ambiance makes it perfect for leisurely strolls and moments of reflection.
- The museum features a valuable collection of ancient coins on its first floor.
- Another highlight of the museum is its collection of radios from various historical periods.
- Delgosha Garden also boasts rare treasures like a Quran manuscript from the Seljuk era, maps depicting Iran’s evolution, and antique garments.
Delgosha Garden Location
Delgosha Garden is located in the city of Shiraz, in the Fars Province of Iran. Specifically, it is situated at the southeastern corner of Shiraz, near the mausoleum of Saadi, one of Iran’s most revered poets. This proximity to Saadi’s tomb enhances its cultural and historical significance, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists who are exploring the rich heritage of Shiraz. The garden’s exact address is along the old road to the Saadi mausoleum, providing easy access for visitors looking to experience the serene beauty and historical charm of Delgosha Garden.
History of Delgosha Garden
Delgosha Garden, a verdant oasis in Shiraz, boasts a storied history that stretches back to the pre-Islamic era, specifically during the Sassanian dynasty. Strategically located near the ancient fortress, this garden has been a cherished site for centuries. During the Safavid dynasty, Delgosha Garden gained prominence as a significant recreational area, often depicted in the travelogues and photographs of European visitors, highlighting its allure and importance.
The garden reached a pinnacle of beauty and sophistication during the reign of Timur Gurkani (Tamerlane). So enchanted was Timur by Delgosha Garden that he commissioned a replica in his capital, Samarkand, under the same name. This act underscored the garden’s magnificence and its influence beyond the borders of Persia.
The Afsharid period also saw the garden in a flourishing state. However, the interregnum between Nader Shah Afshar’s rule and the rise of the Zand dynasty marked a time of neglect and deterioration for Delgosha Garden. It was not until the Zand dynasty, particularly under the stewardship of Karim Khan Zand, that the garden experienced a revival and restoration, returning it to its former glory.
Further enhancements and constructions took place during the Qajar era, with several structures within the garden dating back to this period. These buildings, adorned with intricate stucco work and vibrant tile mosaics, contribute to the garden’s historical and architectural richness.
Today, Delgosha Garden stands as a testament to the enduring beauty and cultural significance of Persian gardens. Its blend of history, nature, and art continues to captivate visitors, offering a serene escape and a window into Iran’s illustrious past.
The architecture of Delgosha Garden
Delgosha Garden in Shiraz has a classic Persian garden style with tall walls surrounding it and a beautiful mansion in the middle. There are water channels and a big pool in front of the mansion, getting water from an ancient water system called a qanat. When you step into the garden, you’ll be amazed by the greenery and the sweet smell of orange blossoms.
Inside the garden, there’s a long water channel with fountains that leads you to the main building, which is Iran’s oldest three-story mansion. It’s famous for its colorful tile work that decorates the outside. In front of the mansion, there’s a big pool that cools the air for people inside.
The mansion has a big hall and four special seating areas for important guests. Underneath the balcony, there are beautiful designs made of stucco and mirrors. There are also paintings on the walls, showing scenes from the past.
You can enter the mansion through two doors on the sides. Inside, you’ll see more designs on the walls and ceilings. Some verses written by a famous poet from the 13th century are written in fancy handwriting on the walls. This poet’s tomb is now in Saadi’s mausoleum.
The whole Delgosha Garden is about 6 hectares big. In the northern part, there’s a smaller garden called the Peacock Garden because of the trees there. It’s a shame that it’s separated from the main garden because of a road, but it’s still a beautiful place to visit.
Sections of Delgosha Garden
In this mesmerizing garden you can see different sections, including:
- Garden Area;
- Delgosha Mansion;
- Delgosha Garden Museum.
Garden Area
Delgosha Garden has everything you’d expect from a typical Iranian garden. It’s divided into four smaller parts by two water channels that run from north to south and east to west. This mindblowing garden covers a big rectangular area, about seven and a half hectares.
Inside, there are lots of orange trees, about 3,000 of them, along with many other pretty trees. Every year in April or May, when the spring comes, people flock to Shiraz to see the orange blossoms and enjoy their sweet smell in this lovely garden.
In the middle of the garden, there’s a special spot with a pavilion and a big house. Right in front of the house, there’s a pool, and at the end of the pool, there’s another pool. As soon as you walk into Delgosha Garden, you’ll probably see the big octagonal pool with its fountain spraying water. The water that flows through the channels in the whole garden eventually ends up in this pool.
Delgosha Mansion
Usually, in the middle of Iranian gardens, you’ll find a building of some sort. It could be a palace, a big house, a pavilion, or even just a pool. In the heart of Delgosha Garden, there’s a pavilion and a pool built so that the people living there can have the best view of the beautiful garden.
The Delgosha Mansion was designed after the palaces in an ancient city called Bishapur. It’s got two doors on either side and three floors. Each floor is decorated with beautiful mirrors, plaster designs, and paintings of flowers from different times. On the rounded ceiling of the building, there are also paintings done with oil colors.
The first thing you’ll notice when you go inside the mansion is a big octagonal pool surrounded by four special areas to sit. In between these areas, there’s another octagonal pool with blue tiles. Upstairs, there’s a big room with windows made of wood bars. From there, you can see the pool and the front of the building.
Some people say that this mansion was the first of its kind in Iran, built in a European style. After the Delgosha Mansion was made, lots of other gardens started building similar buildings.
Delgosha Garden Museum
The mansion within Delgosha Garden has been repurposed into a museum, offering visitors a dual experience of marveling at its architectural splendor while exploring a trove of captivating historical artifacts. Housing an impressive array of ancient coins on its first floor, the museum caters to numismatists seeking to delve into the monetary history of the region.
Another enthralling section awaits on a different floor, where a diverse collection of radios from various epochs is on display, each showcasing unique technological advancements. Notably, one radio stands out for its ingenious use of oil as a power source.
Among the myriad of historical treasures awaiting discovery during your museum visit are:
- A rare Quran manuscript dating back to the Seljuk era, meticulously inscribed on deer skin;
- A series of maps depicting the evolution of Iran across different epochs;
- A selection of stamps;
- Collection of matchboxes;
- Antique garments;
- Tapestries;
- Pottery;
- Vintage bicycles.
Best Times to Visit Delgosha Garden
The best times to visit Delgosha Garden are during the spring months, particularly from March to May, when the weather is mild, and the garden is adorned with the vibrant colors of blooming flowers. This period coincides with the blossoming of the orange trees, filling the air with their sweet fragrance and creating a picturesque backdrop for leisurely strolls and tranquil moments of reflection.
Point: visiting during this time allows you to witness the annual Norooz (Persian New Year) celebrations, which often include cultural events and festivities held within the garden.
Another optimal time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon when the temperatures are cooler, and the soft light enhances the garden’s beauty, creating a serene atmosphere for exploration and photography. Avoiding the midday heat ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the garden’s tranquil ambiance and architectural marvels without feeling overwhelmed by the sun.
Overall, planning your visit during the spring months and choosing the cooler times of the day will provide the ideal conditions for immersing yourself in the enchanting allure of Delgosha Garden. So, enjoy visiting, strolling, photographing, and listening to the melody of birds in Delgosha Garden.
Learn Farsi While Exploring Delgosha Garden in Shiraz
Are you ready for a truly immersive cultural experience? Look no further than Delgosha Garden in Shiraz, Iran, where history, beauty, and language intertwine to create an unforgettable journey. At this historical attraction, we offer a unique program that allows you to learn Persian language while exploring Delgosha Garden.
Imagine strolling through the lush greenery of the garden, surrounded by the scent of blooming orange blossoms, as you engage in conversation with our experienced Persian language teachers. From basic greetings to more advanced conversation skills, our teachers will guide you through the intricacies of the Farsi language, providing personalized instruction tailored to your level of proficiency.
Learning Persian language and exploring Iran’s attractions go hand in hand, offering you a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage of this ancient land. Whether you’re a language enthusiast seeking to expand your linguistic horizons or a traveler eager to connect more deeply with the local culture, our program at Delgosha Garden promises to be a transformative experience.
Join us in Iran and embark on a journey of discovery as you learn Farsi and explore the captivating attractions of Shiraz. From the majestic Persepolis to the Tomb of Hafez, every step of your journey will be enriched by the beauty of the Persian language and the warmth of Iranian hospitality.
Join us to enjoy new learning experiences in Iran.
Discover the Magic of Delgosha Garden
As you wander through the enchanting pathways of Delgosha Garden, you’ll discover a world of beauty, history, and tranquility waiting to be explored. From the captivating architecture of its historic mansion to the fragrant orange groves and serene water channels, Delgosha Garden offers a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Shiraz, Iran.
But our journey doesn’t end here. If you’re left with lingering questions about Delgosha Garden or if you’re eager to explore more of Shiraz’s hidden gems, we’re here to help. Contact us for any inquiries not answered in this article, and our knowledgeable team will be delighted to assist you.
Moreover, if you’re seeking a local guide to accompany you on your exploration of Delgosha Garden or other tourist destinations in Shiraz, look no further. Our experienced local leaders are passionate about sharing the beauty and history of their city with visitors from around the world. With their expertise and insider knowledge, they’ll ensure that your visit to Delgosha Garden and other attractions in Shiraz is nothing short of extraordinary.
Whether you’re a solo traveler seeking an authentic cultural experience or a group looking to uncover the hidden treasures of Shiraz, we’re dedicated to making your journey unforgettable. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance, guidance, or simply to share your excitement about exploring Delgosha Garden and all that Shiraz has to offer. Your adventure awaits – let’s make it unforgettable together.
FAQs
What are the opening hours of Delgosha Garden in Shiraz?
Delgosha Garden is typically open from early morning until late evening, allowing visitors ample time to explore its beauty and tranquility.
Is there an entrance fee to visit Delgosha Garden?
Yes, there is usually a nominal entrance fee to enter Delgosha Garden, which helps maintain the garden’s upkeep and preservation.
What other attractions are located near Delgosha Garden in Shiraz?
Shiraz is home to many other attractions near Delgosha Garden, including the historic city center, the tomb of Hafez, the Pink Mosque (Nasir al-Mulk Mosque), and the ancient ruins of Persepolis.
Can I take photographs in Delgosha Garden?
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photographs for personal use in Delgosha Garden, but it’s always courteous to ask permission before taking photos of people or private areas.
Is Delgosha Garden wheelchair accessible?
Delgosha Garden may have some areas that are accessible to wheelchair users, but due to its historic nature and uneven terrain, accessibility may be limited in certain parts of the garden.