Tomb of Hafez | Famous Persian Poet

There is no way a Persian will hear Shiraz's name and not immediately think about Hafiz.

Khaje Shams al-din Mohammad (Hafez) is the most celebrated Persian poet. He is held in high esteem among Iranians and literature enthusiasts worldwide.

He is nothing less than a prophet to Persians—he is considered the prophet of love, art, and beauty inside. The chances of not finding The Divān of Hafez in any Persian house are zero.

The 14th-century poet has profoundly influenced and continues influencing Persian poetry and invariably evokes the admiration of his readers. His words, masterfully mingled with mystical concepts, and embellished finely with oratory, have served as more than a collection of poems for Iranians over the centuries. They are an inseparable part of any Persian celebration and ceremony, such as Yalda night and Nowrouz.

Who is Hafiz (Hafez Shirazi)?

Hafiz of Shiraz is a celebrated Persian poet born in Shiraz, Iran, in 1325. Despite few details being known about his life, it is believed that he memorized the Quran at an early age and was given the title of Hafez, which he later used as his pen name.

Poet Hafiz's works, including his Divān, which contains over 400 ghazals, have been compiled by several modern scholars, including Moḥammad Ghazvini, Qāsem Ḡani, and Parviz Natel-Khanlari.

Hafiz of Persia was a Sufi Muslim and was supported by patronage from several local regimes throughout his life. Though his work flourished most under the rule of Jalal ud-Din Shah Shuja, it is said that Hafez briefly fell out of favor with the ruler for mocking inferior poets, leading him to flee to Isfahan and Yazd.

Hafez died in 1390, and over sixty years after his death, a mausoleum called the Hafezieh was erected in Shiraz's Musalla Gardens to honor Hafez.

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Tomb of Hafez, Hafezieh, Shiraz

The tomb of Hafez, also known as Hafizieh, is situated in a lovely garden that emanates peace and calm. Today, his tomb is a popular tourist destination and an emotive pilgrimage for readers everywhere who love Hafez's poetry. In fact, every year, on the 20th of Mehr, equivalent to the 12th of October, Iranians show their love and respect for him on National Hafez Day by visiting his tomb, Hafezieh.

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The History and Architecture of the Tomb of Hafez

Hafez was born in 1325 A.D. and died in 1389 A.D. He was a gifted, prolific poet and religious scholar whose unique style of poetry was influenced by verses from the Quran, which he had wholly memorized as a child. Hence his pen name became Hafez, meaning "guardian." Hafez's mausoleum, locally called Hafeziyeh, is located on the northern edge of the Shiraz, in the middle of the pretty garden of Mossalla.

For over sixty years, his burial place was a plain tombstone. In 1452, 65 years after his death, a dome-like structure with a large pool was built near his grave by Babur Ibn-Baysunkur, a Timurid governor of Shiraz at Golgasht-e Mosalla. At that time, Golgasht-e Mosalla was one of the Shiraz cemeteries, and its garden is mentioned several times in Hafiz's poems.

In 1477, Shams al-Din Mohammad Yaghmai, the minister of the Gurkani court, built a domed vault with a pool in front of it. Much later, in the 18th century, Karim Khan-e Zand expanded the surrounding area and ordered a vaulted hall to be built in the center of the garden. The tomb of Hafez is covered with a marble gravestone surviving from Karim Khan's era (1751 to 1779). The current mausoleum was designed using Zandieh architecture elements in 1935 by Andre Godard, a French architect and archaeologist, with the help of some Iranian architects.

The tomb of Hafez is hidden from the main street in an octagonal pavilion: a symbol of prison for Hafez's mystical thoughts in the modern world. The inner part of the tomb is designed with beautiful tiles in different turquoise colors, each with a particular meaning. Blue is a symbol of paradise, dark brown (is a symbol of soil), black and white (is a symbol of night and day) and purple-red (is a symbol of eternal wine). There is also a large pool beside the tomb of Hafez where you will see Iranians making a wish and throwing a coin in it. The tomb consists of an octagonal pavilion structure topped with a hat-shaped dome. The outer portion of the dome symbolizes the sky and a Darwish's Turkish hat.

The vaulted hall in the middle of the garden, with two rooms on the east and west wings, was expanded by the additional 16 columns, turning it into a spacious 20-columned veranda. The interior layer of the dome is adorned artistically with colorful tiles. Every eight-monolithic column is surmounted by an azure-tiled inscription bearing a verse from Hafez's book.

The marble stone on Hafez's grave was inscribed in Nastaliq calligraphy in Karim Khan's era with two sonnets from Hafez's book starting with:

"I'll give up in the hope of union, my very life

I will hope as a bird of paradise in this worldly trap"

The northern side of the garden is regarded as the world of the hereafter. It houses a library and a bookshop. The northwestern part holds a cozy teahouse, and the west side contains a cistern from the Zand era, a Qavam family crypt and several graves of famous Shirazi residents.

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Location of Hafezieh

Hafezieh is located south of the Quran gate in a peaceful and lovely garden setting that drips with a calm ambiance of love, poetry and romance. It is right in the heart of Shiraz, so you have many other attractions nearby.

From Hafezieh, you can reach Jahan Nama Garden on foot. Other nearby tourist attractions are Quran Gate, Karim Khan Citadel, Nasir Ol-Molk Mosque (the Pink Mosque), Vakil Mosque and Vakil Bazaar.

Restaurants Near Hafezieh

Exploring the Hafez Tomb and its beautiful surroundings can be an unforgettable experience, but all the walking and sightseeing can work up quite an appetite. Luckily, visitors to the Hafezieh Shiraz Iran will find plenty of great dining options nearby to satisfy their hunger and enjoy some delicious Persian cuisine.

One popular restaurant is Haft Khan Restaurant, located less than a mile from the tomb and offers a range of traditional Persian dishes in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Haft Khan Restaurant is particularly known for its kebabs and stews.

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Another great option is Shandiz Restaurant, located just over a mile from the tomb and offers a variety of dishes, including kebabs, stews, and traditional Iranian rice dishes.

For visitors looking for a more upscale dining experience, Qavam Restaurant is an excellent choice. This restaurant is just over a mile from Hafezieh and offers a range of delicious Persian dishes, including seafood and traditional Iranian rice dishes.

Shah Abbasi Restaurant is another great dining option offering a range of traditional Persian dishes, including stews, kebabs, and rice dishes, and is particularly known for its use of fresh ingredients and flavorful spices.

Sharzeh Restaurant is a popular choice for those looking for a cozy and welcoming dining experience near the Tomb of Hafez. This restaurant offers a range of traditional Persian dishes, including stews, kebabs, and rice dishes, and is known for its friendly service and relaxed atmosphere.

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Accommodations Near Hafezieh

There are several great options for accommodations near Hafezieh, ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious.

One popular choice is the Atlas Hotel. This hotel is located just a mile from the tomb, making it a convenient option for visitors.

The Persepolis Hotel is another great option for those looking for a comfortable stay near Hafezieh. This hotel is less than two miles from the tomb and offers guests beautiful city views and nearby mountains.

For those looking for a more luxurious stay, the Shiraz Royal Hotel is an excellent choice. This hotel is just over a mile from Hafezieh and offers guests spacious rooms, a spa, a fitness center, and an indoor pool.

For those on a budget, there are also several options for accommodations, including the Park Saadi Hotel, Arg Hotel, and Parseh Hotel. These hotels offer a range of amenities and are conveniently located near the tomb.

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Opening Time

For those planning a visit to the Hafez Tomb, it's important to note that the site is open from 8 a.m. to between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., depending on the season.

Entrance Fee

As for the entrance fee, it's approximately $6, making it an affordable attraction for visitors on a budget. The fee covers access to the tomb and the surrounding gardens, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in this revered site's peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Bottom Line

This historical site is not only a beautiful and peaceful destination for poetry lovers and history buffs, but it also serves as a pilgrimage site for those seeking spiritual guidance and inspiration from poet Hafez's works. With its well-maintained gardens, beautiful architecture, and serene atmosphere, the Tomb of Hafez is an unforgettable destination that will leave visitors with a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Iran. Whether you're a local or a traveler from afar, visiting Hafezieh is an experience not to be missed.

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