Shiraz is a city of sophistication that has been celebrated as the heartland of Persian culture for more than 2000 years. Known as the “House of Learning” the city of Roses, city of Love and city of Gardens, Shiraz has become synonymous with education, nightingales and poetry. It was one of the most important cities in the medieval Islamic world and was the Iranian capital during the Zand dynasty (AD 1747-79), when many of its most beautiful buildings were built or restored.
one of the biggest cities in Iran and most significant city at the center of Fars province and a treasure trove of Persian culture. This city has been known as the most significant tourism center, the cultural capital of Iran, the 5th populous city, the 3rd holy shrine of Iran and the city of poetry, wine and flower. The tombs of several world-rank poets such as Hafez and Sa’adi placed in Shiraz where embraces a major part of Iran’s ancient history, cultural, religious, historical, and natural attractions. This beautiful city, best known as the city of orange and bergamot, gardens and wine has been added to the list of UNESCO world cities, as the World City of Handicrafts, after evaluations by the World Crafts Council. The pleasant capital city of Fars province is one of the main metropolitans in Iran that has become one of the most popular and mostly visited tourism destinations. It should be noted that the existence of the historical complex of Persepolis (UNESCO declared the ruins of Persepolis a World Heritage Site in 1979) near this metropolis has greatly increased its charms. The first historical documents about this city indicate its centrality and importance during Sassanid period. And after that, we can see its continual presence in the literary and historical documents related to different Islamic periods.
Shiraz is also considered as one of the most important medical centers in Iran and the region. In the realm of medicine, the nearby ancient cities of Pars and Istakhr, Both close to Persepolis were home to erudities in Achmenid and Arsacid era. Generally, the existence and quality of medical knowledge systems among different civilizations has shown the importance and capability of medical knowledge of those nations. One of these systems is the Shiraz Medical School, which has attracted a lot of attention. Shiraz Medical School has been a pioneer in the treatment and education of medicine for about 1000 years. The scientific expertise of Shiraz physicians is not limited to this city and in addition to Iran, it has also affected India. In promoting the science of medicine in Shiraz, the material and spiritual encouragement of the kings and rulers of Shiraz and Persia has been so effective that the construction of scientific schools, hospitals and free medical centers for patients has been of great importance in the prosperity of this school. Of course, the cultural characteristics and altruism of the people of this city have also been influential factors.
Shiraz can be reached directly through its international airport from neighboring countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait by different airlines. However, daily flights are not available from all of these countries. Another option would be travel to Tehran (Capital of Iran) and take a domestic flight to Shiraz. Please note that Tehran has two international airports, Mehrabad and Imam Khomeini International airport (which is 30 KM south of Tehran).
Visitors to Iran must obtain a visa from one of the Iranian diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries or countries eligible for a visa on arrival. All visitors must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months. Admission is refused to women not wearing Islamic head cover, scarf, long sleeves and stockings.
- Transportation
The city of Shiraz is very efficient public transportation system, which many people travel daily through this network in the city. Taxis, subways and Shiraz buses have created a regular and economical system for the citizens of the city.
- Subway Shiraz
The Shiraz subway system has the second largest subway line in the country after Tehran, and this year, 7.3 million passengers are moving around the city. The Shiraz subway has 6 lines, now only the first line is inaugurated and active. A line of Shiraz subway extends from the south east of the city to the northwest of Shiraz. It has 19 underground stations and one level station.
- How to get a ticket?
Token is a rechargeable electronic ticket and with the payment to the Ticket Officer, place a charged token for each trip and put it in the groove in front of the gate when passing through the gate. The used tonnage after deduction of fare is recorded at the gate bank and the door gate opens for your passage.
- Shiraz Taxi
Airport taxi
The airport taxi in Shiraz is provided by passengers on a daily basis at domestic and foreign flight terminals.
Terminal Taxi
The Shiraz Terminal Taxis, located at the terminals of the Intercity Bus Station, Modaress, Amir Kabir and Shahid Tabaeinjad, provide 24-hour service to the passengers.
Wireless taxis
133 Shiraz Wireless Radio Taxi has been in operation since 1385 and is currently providing citizens and passengers with 2 private companies. Circular Taxis
- Shiraz Bus Stations
Shiraz with many historical and tourist attractions, many travelers visit it daily. The bus terminals of Karandish, Amirkabir, and Modares are available to give land transportation services to most of other cities in Iran.
- Accommodation
In the list below, you can see some of hotels and accommodation centers in Shiraz:
- Shiraz Grand Hotel
- Chamran Hotel
- Homa Hotel
- Pars Hotel
- Zandiyeh Hotel
- Persepolis Hotel
- Stars Hotel
- Elysee Hotel
- Royal Hotel
- Parse Hotel
Other important information
- Climate: Shiraz’s climate has distinct seasons (spring, summer, fall and winter), and is overall classed as a cold semi-arid climate, though it is only a little short of a hot semi-arid climate (BSh) or a hot-summer Mediterranean climate.
- Time Difference: Shiraz Local Time is GMT + 3:30 Hours.
- Electricity: Electricity is supplied at 220V.