Nasir al-Molk Mosque, the Pink Mosque of Shiraz
Last updated: October 22, 2026
The
Pink Mosque (Nasir al-Mulk) Quick Facts
| Also spelled | Nasir al-Molk, Nasir ol Molk, Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque – all the same Pink Mosque |
| Location | Goad-e-Araban quarter, off Lotf Ali Khan Zand Street, near Shah Cheragh, Shiraz |
| Built | 1876–1888, Qajar era |
| Opening hours | From around 7–7:30 AM to late afternoon or early evening (seasonal); check locally |
| Best time for the light | Opening time to about 10 AM, ideally in autumn and winter when the sun is low |
| Ticket | Foreigners pay a separate, higher ticket price that changes often – check on arrival |
| Dress code | Women cover hair, arms and legs; chadors are lent at the entrance |
| Before you go | Check your government’s current travel advice for Iran |
re is no better place to conclude evenings in Shiraz than the lovely Nasir al-Molk Mosque. Famously known as the Pink Mosque, the interiors of this house of worship are simply bewitching. Deep rose coloured exquisite Persian tiles cover every inch and honeycombed doorways create beautiful little rainbow webs. Built during the Qajar era in 1876 by Mirza Hasan Ali Nasir al Molk, this mosque was designed by the very talented Mohammad Hasan e Memaar. It is believed that the mosque took 12 years to complete and the end result is simply jaw-dropping. The highlight of this mosque is its stunning stained glass windows, an uncommon feature in mosque architecture. The windows were built to capture the morning light and throw it on the tightly woven Persian carpet, like a million butterflies and the whole effect is nothing short of heavenly. Although I have never managed to be there in the mornings, I found the interiors to be very captivating in the fading afternoon light too.
Nasir al-Molk Mosque is a land of rainbows
Soft daylight peep through the famous jewel coloured windows and I loved sitting inside the land of rainbows. I have spent many long hours there and my favourite pastime was to silently watch the stained glass kaleidoscope leave patterns on my silhouette. During those long Nasir-al-Molk Mosque hours, I counted time on my body by the way the rainbow colours deepened/faded on my skin. I always knew it was time to go home when twilight made the rainbows vanish and evening prayer calls rang through the violet sky. I am not a religious person, but there’s something about Nasir-al-Molk Mosque which made me pray to my god.
One of the most beautiful mosques in the world
In the famous words of Japanese photographer Koach, “Even if you are the world’s least religious person, you might feel your hands coming together in prayer naturally when you see the brilliance of this light. Perhaps the builders of this mosque wanted to show their “faith” through the morning light shining through this stained glass.” No doubt, it is one of the most photographed mosques in the world and a crown architectural jewel of Iran. The mosque attracts visitors early in the morning and the time frame from 9 am to 11 am is best for capturing this gorgeous play of colours. Interestingly, despite being so delicately beautiful and in the gorgeous shade of rose pink, the Nasir-al-Molk Mosque has survived many earthquakes and the secret behind this survival is the use of flexible wooden bricks within the walls. The rose-pink floral tiles are simply irresistible and a signature feature of Shiraz. Recently, the Nasir-al-Molk Mosque is being lit up at night as well so that the light passes through the coloured glasses and spills into the yard and all over the mosque.
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The architectural beauty of the pink mosque of Shiraz
The Nasir-al-Molk Mosque is located off Lotf Ali Khan Blvd in Shiraz, Iran. The mosque usually opens around 7–7:30 am and closes in the late afternoon or early evening depending on the season. Foreign visitors pay a separate ticket price, which changes often with inflation, so check the current fee at the entrance.
Best Time to Visit the Pink Mosque for the Light
The famous rainbow effect happens when the low morning sun shines through the stained-glass windows of the winter prayer hall on the western side of the courtyard. Arrive at opening time and stay until around 10 am. Autumn and winter (October to February) are the best months, because the sun is lower in the sky and throws the colours deeper across the Persian carpets. In summer the effect is shorter and fainter. Afternoon visits, like mine, are still lovely and much quieter, but you will not see the full kaleidoscope on the floor.
Nasir al-Mulk Mosque Opening Hours, Tickets and Dress Code
- Opening hours: usually from about 7–7:30 am until late afternoon (later in summer); it may close on some religious holidays.
- Tickets: buy at the gate. Foreigners pay a higher price than Iranians; prices change frequently with the rial, so carry enough cash.
- Dress code: women must cover their hair and wear loose clothing covering arms and legs; a chador is lent at the entrance. Men should avoid shorts.
- Shoes: remove them before stepping onto the carpets of the prayer hall.
Photography Tips for the Pink Mosque
- Be at the door before opening time – within half an hour the prayer hall fills with photographers.
- Use a wide-angle lens or 0.5x phone camera to capture the windows and the patterns on the carpet together.
- Expose for the light patches, not the dark corners, to keep the colours rich.
- Do not miss the muqarnas (honeycomb) portal and the pink rose tiles in the courtyard – the reason for the “Pink Mosque” name.
- Be respectful: it is a working mosque, so avoid blocking the hall or photographing worshippers without permission.
How to Reach Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
The mosque is in Shiraz’s old quarter, a short walk from Shah Cheragh shrine and about 15 minutes on foot from Vakil Bazaar. A taxi or ride-hailing app (such as Snapp) is the easiest way from most hotels. The nearest metro stop on Line 1 is about 1.5 km away.
Nearby Sights in Shiraz
- Shah Cheragh – the mirror-covered shrine, spectacular at night.
- Vakil Bazaar, Vakil Mosque and Vakil Bath – the Zand-era heart of the city.
- Karim Khan Citadel (Arg-e Karim Khan) – a walled fortress with a leaning tower.
- Eram Garden – a UNESCO-listed Persian garden.
- Tomb of Hafez – best at sunset, when locals come to read poetry.
- Persepolis – a half-day trip about an hour from Shiraz.
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FAQs
What is the best time to visit the Pink Mosque in Shiraz?
Arrive at opening time and stay until about 10 am, when the morning sun shines through the stained glass. Autumn and winter give the best light because the sun is lower.
Is Nasir al-Mulk the same as Nasir ol Molk?
Yes. Nasir al-Mulk, Nasir al-Molk and Nasir ol Molk are different spellings of the same mosque, popularly called the Pink Mosque of Shiraz.
How much is the ticket for the Pink Mosque?
Foreign visitors pay a separate ticket price that changes frequently with inflation. Check the current price at the gate and carry cash.
What should I wear to the Pink Mosque?
Women should cover their hair and wear loose clothing covering arms and legs; a chador is provided at the entrance. Men should avoid shorts.
Why is it called the Pink Mosque?
Because of the many pink rose-coloured tiles used in its courtyard and interior decoration.
