
Zinat ol Molk House and Museum
An ornate Qajar-era house in Shiraz, featuring stunning stained-glass windows, intricate mirror work, and a tranquil courtyard garden.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Softer light, fewer crowds

Zinat ol Molk House and Museum
Best Time
Softer light, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ornate Qajar-era house in Shiraz, featuring stunning stained-glass windows, intricate mirror work, and a tranquil courtyard garden.
"A charming historical house with beautifully detailed ceilings and a peaceful courtyard garden."

📸 Photography Challenges
Some rooms are dimly lit, making photography tricky. Embrace the atmosphere or use a tripod if possible.
☕ Relax in the Courtyard
Enjoy a traditional drink or ice cream in the peaceful courtyard teahouse.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stained-Glass Windows
Various rooms
Vibrant, colorful stained-glass windows that cast a magical glow on the interior spaces.

Courtyard Garden
Central courtyard
A serene oasis with lush greenery, fountains, and trees, perfect for a moment of tranquility.

Waxwork Museum
Basement
See lifelike wax figures of historical figures, offering a unique glimpse into Shiraz's past.

Mirror Work and Plasterwork
Main hall (Shahneshin)
Exquisite mirror and plaster detailing, showcasing the opulent artistry of the Qajar era.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photography Challenges
Some rooms are dimly lit, making photography tricky. Embrace the atmosphere or use a tripod if possible.
☕ Relax in the Courtyard
Enjoy a traditional drink or ice cream in the peaceful courtyard teahouse.
🚶♀️ Explore the Basement Museum
Don't miss the unique wax figures of famous Shiraz personalities.
✨ Appreciate the Details
Take time to admire the intricate tilework, plasterwork, and woodwork.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photography Challenges
Some rooms are dimly lit, making photography tricky. Embrace the atmosphere or use a tripod if possible.
☕ Relax in the Courtyard
Enjoy a traditional drink or ice cream in the peaceful courtyard teahouse.
🚶♀️ Explore the Basement Museum
Don't miss the unique wax figures of famous Shiraz personalities.
✨ Appreciate the Details
Take time to admire the intricate tilework, plasterwork, and woodwork.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Zinat ol Molk House for its stunning Qajar-era architecture, particularly the vibrant stained-glass windows and intricate mirror work. The peaceful courtyard garden and the unique waxwork museum in the basement are also frequently highlighted as enjoyable aspects of the visit. It's considered a less crowded, charming historical gem in Shiraz.
"The historical Qajar-era house starts with a basement tour and leads to a courtyard and the rest of the house. The rooms are decorated with colorful stained-glass windows and mirrored walls and ceilings. It’s worth visiting at least once."
Fateme
"Zinat ol Molouk House is an old, beautiful house in Shiraz, Iran, from the Qajar era. It’s a peaceful place where you can sit in a lovely teahouse inside the mansion, enjoy some ice cream or a traditional drink, and feel the cool breeze. There is also a museum underground, where you can see statues of famous people from Shiraz. It’s a quiet way to feel the city’s history."
Neda F
"A charming historical house with beautifully detailed ceilings, stained glass windows, and a peaceful courtyard garden. The architecture reflects early 20th-century Shiraz elegance, and the wax figures of historic characters add an interesting, if slightly unusual, touch. Some rooms feel a bit dimly lit, which makes photography tricky, but it also adds to the atmosphere. It’s less crowded than other attractions in Shiraz, so you can explore at a relaxed pace. Definitely worth visiting along with the nearby historical sites."
Saeed Ghezelbash
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Zinat ol Molk House is located in the heart of Shiraz, making it easily accessible. You can take a taxi or ride-sharing service directly to the house. It's also within walking distance of other major attractions like Narenjestan Qavam Garden, so consider combining your travel plans.
Yes, it's a well-known historical site in Shiraz. Look for signs directing you to the house, especially if you are exploring the historical district on foot.
Taxis and ride-sharing apps are readily available and convenient for getting around Shiraz. For nearby sites, walking is a pleasant option to soak in the city's atmosphere.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The house is typically open daily from morning until early evening. It's advisable to check the most current hours upon arrival or through local tourist information as they can vary seasonally.
Admission fees are generally modest, reflecting its status as a historical monument. Expect a small entrance fee, which contributes to the preservation of this beautiful Qajar-era house.
Advance booking is usually not required for Zinat ol Molk House. You can typically purchase tickets upon arrival at the entrance.
While official guided tours might not always be available, the house is well-signposted, and you can explore at your own pace. Local guides may be available for hire outside the entrance if you prefer a more in-depth experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The courtyard garden with its fountains and greenery, the intricately decorated rooms with stained-glass windows, and the detailed mirror work in the main hall are prime photography locations.
Photography is generally permitted inside the house, but it's always good to be respectful of other visitors and the historical artifacts. Some areas might have restrictions, so observe any signage.
Natural light from the courtyard and stained-glass windows illuminates many areas. However, some interior rooms can be dimly lit, which might pose a challenge for photography without a flash or tripod.
Tripod usage might be restricted in certain areas to protect the delicate interiors and ensure smooth visitor flow. It's best to inquire at the entrance or observe any posted rules.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You'll find beautifully preserved Qajar-era architecture, featuring stunning stained-glass windows, intricate mirror work, detailed plasterwork, and a peaceful courtyard garden. The basement houses a wax museum with figures of historical personalities.
Yes, there is a charming teahouse located within the courtyard garden where you can relax, enjoy traditional drinks, ice cream, or snacks.
A visit typically takes about 1-2 hours, allowing you to explore the rooms, the courtyard, and the basement museum at a leisurely pace.
Children can enjoy the visual appeal of the stained-glass windows and the wax figures in the museum. The courtyard offers a space to move around.
Built in the Qajar era, it was home to Zinat al-Mulk, a prominent woman known for her philanthropy. The house showcases the luxury and architectural style of that period and served as a sanctuary during wartime.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While some areas might be dimly lit, the overall atmosphere is welcoming. It's a good opportunity to introduce children to Iran's rich history and architecture in a less crowded setting compared to some other major attractions. Remember to supervise children, especially around delicate architectural features.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The courtyard garden provides a beautiful natural setting with its greenery and fountains, perfect for wider shots or detail-oriented nature photography. Be mindful of the lighting conditions; while some areas are bright, others can be dim, potentially requiring a tripod or higher ISO settings. The wax museum also offers unique portrait opportunities, though capturing them effectively might require careful attention to lighting.
🏛️ History Buffs
Exploring the various rooms, understanding the function of spaces like the shahneshin and the basement, and learning about Zinat al-Mulk's philanthropic legacy offers a comprehensive understanding of the period. Its role as a sanctuary during wartime further adds to its historical significance. Visiting this house provides a tangible connection to Iran's past, far beyond what textbooks can offer.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels of the Qajar Era
The house also features an expansive basement that served multiple purposes, including storage and a cool retreat during hot summers. This underground level showcases complex masonry and clever ventilation shafts, demonstrating the ingenuity of historical construction techniques. The careful preservation of these architectural details makes Zinat ol Molk House a valuable site for understanding Iran's rich artistic and cultural heritage.
Visitors often remark on the peaceful ambiance of the house, especially within its courtyard garden. This serene space, filled with lush greenery, fountains, and trees, provides a tranquil escape and a beautiful backdrop for appreciating the house's exterior elegance. The combination of interior artistry and exterior tranquility makes Zinat ol Molk House a truly captivating destination.
The Legacy of Zinat al-Mulk
Today, Zinat ol Molk House stands not only as a testament to Qajar-era luxury and architectural brilliance but also as a memorial to Zinat al-Mulk's compassionate spirit. Her legacy of kindness and community service is an integral part of the house's history, adding a layer of human warmth to its historical and artistic significance. Visitors can feel this enduring spirit as they explore the beautifully maintained rooms and tranquil gardens.
The Unique Waxwork Museum
Seeing the wax figures of individuals like Zinat al-Mulk herself, alongside other celebrated figures from Shiraz's history, provides a memorable and somewhat unusual experience. It adds an interactive element to the visit, making the historical narratives more tangible and accessible for a wide range of visitors, including families.

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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit