Tomb of Hafez

You should visit the mausoleum of Hafez if you go to Shiraz. He is the 14th century poet of Iran who was born, lived and died in Shiraz. Tomb of Hafez and its associated memorial hall, the Hafezieh are two memorial structures erected in the northern edge of Shiraz, Iran, in memory of the celebrated Persian poet. The open pavilion structures are situated in the Musalla Gardens on the north bank of a seasonal river and house the marble Tomb.

famous persian poet


History

Regards to the great reputation of this best Iranian poet, known as Hafez, his tomb has an important significance through different historical eras of Iran. In 1452, 65 years after Hafez's death, the first tomb - dome-like - structure was built near his grave by the order of Babur Ibn-Baysunkur, the governer of Shiraz.

Through Pahlavin era specifically in 1936 AD, the current structure of Tomb of Hafez has formed. Through the whole Pahlavi dynasty, Tomb of him was a really important location for many art fesivals and governmental celebrations.


Description

For Iranians, visiting this famous tomb is like going to a relative’s tomb. The feelings, of course, are more with respect than grievance. Some bring rosewater to wash the tombstone and put some flowers on the grave. Then, they touch the tombstone with few fingers praying by reciting a chapter of Koran to ask for blessing of his soul.

Some proceed to request Hafez to talk to them through his poems and tell them about the state of their lives or give them some wise advice through the words in his poems. Then, they open their eyes and open the book on any page it randomly opens and continue to read it enthusiastically.


Architecture of Tomb of Hafez

The tombstone of Hafez lies in a beautiful garden which is another sample of Persian gardens. The architecture of this monument is amazing. The designer of Hafez Tomb is the French architect Andre Godard. Andre Godard was an archaeologist, architect, and Orientalism that served as the director of the Iranian Archeological Service for 32 years during Reza Shah's reign and do great services to Iranian art and culture.

The tomb also known as Hafezieh, is consist of 2 main courtyards (northern and southern part) within a garden by an extent of 2 hectares. These two main parts bhave been separated by a 56 meters hall which contains 20 stone pillars by a height of 5 meters. There is a large pool beside the tomb where you can make a wish and throw a coin in it, be careful what you wish for because the chances of coming true are high!

 

Opening hours

Hafez tomb is open for visitors in spring, summer time from 08.30 am to 23.30 pm and in autumn, winter time from 07.30 am to 22.00 pm (every day). In addition to visit this tomb, you can shop from the handicraft store and drink a cup of tea at tea house. Late April and early May is the best time to visit the tomb. At this time you can smell the fragrance of Orange blossom and enjoy the beauty of Spring. It is noteworthy that, evening is the best time to visit of this historical place.