Luxurious charm of Shapuri House in Shiraz
For every Iranian, the name Shiraz evokes beautiful gardens, historical buildings, and numerous attractions that reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage. Known as the city of poets and literature, Shiraz has been a center of Persian culture for centuries, with a history that dates back to ancient times. It is home to iconic sites such as the stunning Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, renowned for its breathtaking stained glass windows, and the historic Arg of Karim Khan, a citadel that showcases the architectural brilliance of the Zand dynasty. Additionally, the nearby Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, further emphasizes Shiraz’s significance in Iran’s history.
Among the tourist attractions in Shiraz, the capital city of Fars Province, the Shapouri House stands out as one of the most fascinating. This luxurious mansion, which dates back to the Pahlavi era, exemplifies the city’s architectural diversity. In the mansion, a blend of Iranian and European architecture can be observed, creating a unique landscape where the natural beauty of the garden complements the stunning architecture of the building.
The Shapuri House, which belonged to Abdolsaheb Shapuri, one of the most famous merchants in Shiraz, was constructed from 1931 to 1936 under the supervision of the renowned architect Abolqassem Mohandesi. Until the early 1970s, the Shapouri family resided in this mansion; however, a few years after the beginning of that decade, the house became abandoned.
In 1999, the Cultural Heritage Organization of Fars Province purchased this luxurious building from the Shapouri family and registered it as part of Iran’s cultural heritage, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
The Shapuri House has two floors, with a built area of 840 square meters and a total land area of 4,635 square meters. It was constructed in the Qajar architectural style and is among the first buildings designed and constructed with a free approach to architecture, showcasing the innovative spirit of its time.
The main entrance of the building is not aligned with the main axis, requiring visitors to make a 90-degree turn at the northern facade to enter. The pathways of the garden follow a completely symmetrical pattern, although the trees are not planted symmetrically. Additionally, the inclusion of a balcony was an unconventional feature in Iranian architecture, yet this building prominently features one.
The overall layout and design of this mansion are distinctive and unparalleled for its time; for instance, it incorporates a staircase that is not found in any other buildings of that era. Furthermore, there are many rooms inside the mansion, each serving a specific function. The innovations utilized in the Shapouri House’s garden have created a harmonious blend of Iranian and European garden styles.
In the western facade of the mansion, one can see round and ornate plaster columns adorned with Achaemenid-style tile work on the top of the upper porch. In the center of the garden, a beautiful large pentagonal pool adds charm and tranquility to the landscape.
Among the trees planted in the Shapouri garden are cedar, maple, plane tree, fig, pomegranate, orange, and date, which, along with vibrant rose and geranium flowers, beautifully adorn the garden, making it a serene oasis in the heart of Shiraz.