Firouzabad: A Day Trip from Shiraz
Mariam Noronha
For those of you who are visiting Shiraz and are looking for an enjoyable trip to a nearby locale, Firouzabad (فيروزآباد; Firuz Abad) is a "must see" destination. A peek in to history, a taste of royal grandeur and glimpses of life in rustic charm is what you can look forward to. All in a day's work! So pack your picnic basket with your friends and family and drive about 110 kilometers south of Shiraz for an exciting day long excursion.
Qaleh Dokhtar (Ghal'eh Dokhtar)
To begin your exciting day out take detour a few kilometers before you arrive at Firouzabad. Turn left and drive along a mountain path to reach the top of a mountain where you will find Qaleh Dokhtar (The Maiden's Castle), an imposing fortress, possibly constructed by Ardeshir I. Qaleh Dokhtar is a type of structure that you will find in different parts of Iran. Built on more or less the same lines these fortresses are usually strategically located near valleys and plains. These fortresses were built to protect nearby settlements and communities.
Apart from its importance as a military base, the Qaleh Dokhtar was also used as a place where ancient Iranians worshipped Anahita, the Goddess of Water. The Zoroastrians regard water, air, light and earth as the four sacred elements in nature and as such go to great lengths to keep water clean and unpolluted. Such fortresses were used to protect water from all impurities.
You can explore the precincts of the castle and take time to breathe in the fresh air while you enjoy the panoramic view of the valley that you are driving in. A great place for you to enjoy breakfast with a cup of tea before you head out to Firouzabad.
Ardeshir Palace
Standing tall at the entrance of Firouzabad just as you approach the town is Ardeshir Palace, probably one of the most valuable examples of the architecture of the Sassanian period from the 3rd to 7th centuries. The domes of the palace belong to a period prior to the advent of Islamic architecture in Iran. The palace has many of the recurring features of Sassanian palace and civic architecture primary among which are arches, domes, recessed windows, and stairways.
Exploring the arches and eyvans of this structure of three interconnected domed chambers will undoubtedly take you back in time.
Zoroastrian Fire Temple
The city of Firouzabad is home to an ancient Zoroastrian Fire Temple. The temple building is about 30 meters high and its spiral design is an architectural masterpiece. In fact this temple has the unique distinction of being the architectural predecessor the Great Mosque of Samarra in Iraq.
A Glimpse in to the Life of the Qashqaee Nomads
The Qashqaee (Qashqa'i) nomads travel to the north of Shiraz in summer and the south of the city in winter so if you are visiting Firouzabad in winter you will most likely see them migrating from one place to another. The Qashqaee tribe is one among the tribes of Iran who still live a nomadic life into the 21st century. You could wrap up an eventful day by spending some time with them for a closer look at tribal life.
Getting To Firouzabad
By Road
There is at least one bus daily from Shiraz to Firuz. Alternatively rely on a taxi or savari.
Book Hotel Accommodation in Iran
Hotels in Iran - Booking.com
Hotels in Tehran - Booking.com
Hotels in Esfahan - Booking.com
Hotels in Kish - Booking.com
Hotels near Imam Khomeini International Airport (Mahmudabad)
Hotels in Mashhad - Booking.com
Hotels in Shiraz - Booking.com
Hotels in Yazd - Booking.com
Book Hotel Accommodation in The Middle East
Hotels in Dubai & UAE - Agoda
Hotels in Egypt - Agoda
Hotels in Jordan - Agoda
Hotels in Kuwait - Agoda
Hotels in Lebanon - Agoda
Hotels in Qatar - Agoda
Hotels in Saudi Arabia - Agoda