The coloured windows
Light spreading colour on the floor.
Diego Delso — CC BY-SA 4.0 · M.aminsharifi — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Diego Delso — CC BY-SA 4.0 · M.aminsharifi — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Laurens R. Krol — CC BY 4.0
Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, also known as the Pink Mosque, is a Qajar-era mosque in the Gowd-e Araban district of Shiraz, famous for its extensive stained glass and pink tiles. It is among the best-known sights of the city, above all at sunrise, when light pours through the windows and spreads colour across the floor, so the place seems like a moving painting. Mirza Hasan Ali Nasir ol-Molk began it in 1876, and it was completed in 1888. It joined the Iran National Heritage List in 1955. It stands south of Lotfali Khan Zand Street, near the Shah Cheragh shrine. It combines stained glass with traditional elements such as the five-part vaulting known as Panj Kase. You enter a small courtyard with a rectangular pool, then the western hall with its carved stone columns and red carpets, where the coloured windows are. Pink and blue tiles fill the vaults and arches with fine patterns. This is also a place of worship, so keep quiet and do not linger in other visitors' way while taking photos. It is about 2 km in a straight line from the Tomb of Hafez and about 4 km from Eram Garden. Dress modestly, and women should cover their hair. Go at opening time in the morning, and winter is best for the low light. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to Iran and warns that British nationals risk detention, so check official guidance before making any plans. We could not confirm the current state of this site.
Light spreading colour on the floor.
Patterns in the vaults.
In the western hall.
Gowd-e Araban district, Shiraz, Iran
At opening time in the morning, when light comes through the windows, and winter is best for low light.
Modest clothing for everyone, with hair covered for women.