Fin Garden: Green paradise in heart of searing hot desert

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Europe

02:39

As one of nine Persian gardens registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Fin Garden is an extremely popular tourist attraction in Iran. CGTN reporter Hossein Nematzade paid a visit there to see how this green paradise rose up in the heart of a searing hot desert.

Dating back to 25-hundred years ago, Fin Garden is a great example of a Persian garden. However, it was designed to its current form during the early Safavid era in the 16th century.

Its architect, Sheikh Bahaei, was also a philosopher, mathematician, astronomer and poet. He used his whole repertoire of skills to build this outstanding world heritage site.

SAEED AGHAMIRI INTERIOR MANAGER, FIN GARDEN "This used to be a recreational resort for the Safavid, Qajar and Zandiyeh kings. When they came here, they used to enjoy this space."

A splendid example of Persian creativity, Fin Garden fuses nature, culture and history. Architectural elements such as sunlight, shade, water pools and pavilions are elaborately incorporated.

HOSSEIN NEMATZADE KASHAN, IRAN "Evergreen trees harness sharp sunlight around the pool making an incredible biotic shade. Water-flow makes the environment cool and the pavilion is at the intersection of the axis. The purpose of such a design was to provide relaxation in different manners such as spiritual."

The garden is surrounded by desert landscapes where water is particularly scarce. However, it appears lush, with water pools and eye-catching blue tiles of abundant beauty. The source of the water is an ancient spring located behind the pools. The fountains can command enough water pressure to put on quite a sparkling show.

SAEED AGHAMIRI INTERIOR MANAGER, FIN GARDEN "The most important feature of Fin Garden, which is known as the bride of Iranian gardens, is the water coming from the Solaymanieh spring that dates back 7,000 years."

470-year-old cedar trees surround the garden and its ponds. Cedar is the signature plant of this Persian garden.

HOSSEIN NEMATZADE KASHAN, IRAN "According to the principles of Persian gardens, the square garden should be divided into four parts by waterways which represent the harmony of the four Zoroastrian elements of sky, earth, water, and plants. Hossein Nematzade, CGTN, Kashan, Iran."