Shazdeh Garden, Mahan

Shazdeh Garden in Mahan, also known as the Prince's Garden, is one of the finest examples of Iran's historic gardens. It is located in Kerman Province, near the city of Mahan. About two kilometres from the city, the garden lies at the foot of the Tigran Mountains, surrounded by the region's dry desert climate. Its masterful architecture and design make it a perfect example of the "Persian terraced garden", a stepped garden built around water, in which order and symmetry are maintained in a visually striking way. The garden covers about 5.5 hectares and measures roughly 407 metres in length and 122 metres in width. It was built in the late Qajar period and was registered on Iran's National Heritage List in 1353 (Solar Hijri) under number 1012. Its distinctive location, the view of the Joupar Mountains in the background, and the combination of water and greenery in the middle of the desert have made it one of the country's most iconic cultural and natural attractions.

Water is the essential element of life in Shazdeh Garden. It is channelled into the garden from a qanat and from the Tigran River, which rises in the heights of the Joupar Mountains. Thanks to the sloping design of the land, water enters at the highest point, flows along channels and stepped cascades, and finally reaches the pools and fountains in the middle of the garden. It is a display of order, engineering and beauty that captures the spirit of Persian gardens. The entrance is a two-storey building with delicate tilework and striking verandas, which offers visitors an unrivalled view along the garden's main axis. The sound of running water, tall plane trees, fruit trees and greenery set within an arid climate create a rare and soothing scene. This harmony of nature, architecture and water is why Shazdeh Garden was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kerman.

To reach Shazdeh Garden, take the Kerman–Bam road from the city of Kerman and, after driving about 35 kilometres, take the exit for the city of Mahan. After another 2 to 6 kilometres, the garden's entrance sign appears. The best time to visit this magnificent complex is spring and summer, when the flowing water, fresh greenery and pleasant mountain air give the place a special charm. In autumn the colourful trees, and in winter the covering of snow, show a different and poetic face of the garden. When visiting, tourists are advised to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism: stay on the marked paths, avoid damaging the historic sections and pools, and dispose of rubbish in the proper places so that this valuable heritage is preserved for future generations.