Saednews: In Tehran, an ancient city, many palaces from past times remain. These palaces were built for the kings of the past, serving as their residences and workplaces. These beautiful royal palaces, such as Golestan Palace and Saadabad Palace, are famous from the Pahlavi and Qajar eras.
According to Saadnews family magazine service, the tourist attractions in Tehran are not limited to its museums; the Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties, the last two royal governments in Iran's history, left many legacies in this city. Some of Tehran's most famous palaces include Saadabad, Niavaran, and Golestan Palaces, which we will introduce below.
1- Golestan Palace, The Eternal Spring of Tehran
Golestan Palace, with its colorful tiles and lush green surroundings, always gives a sense of spring. It is located near the market and in the historical fabric of Tehran. The palace consists of several sections, including the Salam Hall, Marble Porch, Mirror Hall, and the famous Shams-ol-Emareh building. Historical events such as the wedding ceremony of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and Farah Diba, and the Pahlavi coronation, took place here.
Address: Tehran, 15 Khordad Street, North side of Arg Square, Golestan Palace
2- Niavaran Palace, The Guesthouse of the Shah
Although the Niavaran Palace is closely associated with the Pahlavi family, it was originally established by the Qajar dynasty. The Ahmad Shah Pavilion was the last building constructed in the garden during the Qajar era, and in 1958, under the orders of Mohammad Reza Shah, the construction of Niavaran Palace began. Though initially intended as a guesthouse for foreign dignitaries, the palace eventually became the residence of the Shah and his family. Unlike other royal palaces in Iran, Niavaran features modern and simple architecture. Visitors can explore the palace's private library, Ahmad Shah Pavilion, the Royal Car Museum, World-view Museum, and the Sahebgharanieh Palace.
Address: Tehran, Shaheed Bahonar Square (Niavaran), Niavaran Historical and Cultural Complex
3- Saadabad Palace, The Royal Display of 18 Palaces
In addition to the large palace complex, the Saadabad Palace grounds offer a wonderful space for walking and solitude. This vast garden, with its towering old trees and the river that runs through it, hosts 18 palaces from both the Pahlavi and Qajar periods. At Saadabad, you can visit the Green Palace (Reza Shah's residence), the Nation Palace (Mohammad Reza Shah's residence), Shams Palace (displaying royal clothing, including Farah Pahlavi's wedding dress), as well as the Royal Kitchen, Royal Crockery Museum in Ashraf Pahlavi's Palace, and other museums showcasing Iranian artists.
Address: Tehran, Tajrish Square, Shaheed Jafari Street, South side of Darband Square, Saadabad Complex
4- Saltanatabad Palace
saltanatabad Palace is one of the oldest summer palaces of the Qajar kings. This palace was built at the end of a road that leads to the Shemiran bend. Construction of Saltanatabad Palace was completed in 1928, and it became the preferred resting place for Naser al-Din Shah. Unfortunately, much of the palace was demolished by the order of Reza Shah, and today only parts like the pool house, the mirror hall, and the royal throne remain.
It should be noted that the Saltanatabad Palace is currently under the control of the Ministry of Defense, and it is used for hosting official ceremonies. Therefore, it is not open for public visits. To learn more about Saltanatabad Palace, you will have to settle for looking at photographs of it.
Address: Tehran, Pasdaran Street, near Novandegan Street, Saltanatabad Palace
5- Marble Palace, A Tehran Landmark
Unlike the Marble Palace in Ramsar, this palace was built by Reza Shah to demonstrate the grandeur of the Pahlavi government to the world. It is named for its green marble columns that adorn the exterior of the building. After the revolution, the palace was first used by the Revolution Committee and later by the Expediency Council. For many years, the council held its sessions here until the Foundation of the Oppressed took over the property. In 2019, the palace was opened to the public, showcasing artifacts from the reigns of the first and second Pahlavi kings.
Address: Tehran, Imam Khomeini Street, Vali Asr Street
6- Farahabad Palace
Farahabad, or the Turquoise Palace, is another historical site in Tehran from the Qajar era. Built in European style, it was modeled after the Trocadéro Palace in Paris, with a semicircular front and a surrounding terrace. Ahmad Shah later added a section to align more with Qajar culture and architecture. During the reign of Reza Shah, the palace fell into disuse and was eventually repurposed for military purposes during the revolution. It is now under the control of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and is not open to the public.
Address: Tehran, Abas Doran Highway, End of Peyrozi Street, Farahabad Palace
7- Yaqout Palace, A Tehran Attraction
Yaqout Palace, or the Serke Hesaar Palace, is located in the Serke Hesaar area and was constructed in 1262 for Nasser al-Din Shah. The building has nearly 200 rooms and is surrounded by columns and continuous balconies, giving it a majestic appearance. Interestingly, the palace is now part of the Lavasani Heart Hospital, and while it is under restoration, the municipality has promised to convert it into a museum soon.
Address: Tehran, Serke Hesaar, End of Shaheed Hemmat Highway, Lavasani Hospital
8- Eshratabad Palace
Built by Nasser al-Din Shah between the Qajar Palaces and the Negarestan Garden, the Eshratabad Palace is a four-story building originally used for weddings and celebrations. The most interesting feature is the large pond surrounded by small houses, each given to one of the king's wives. After the revolution, the Air Force took over the palace, renaming it the Vali-Asr Barracks. Parts of the palace were lost due to the construction of Shaheed Seyed Shirazi Highway. In 2006, a restoration agreement was made to turn the palace into a museum for public viewing.
Address: Tehran, Eshratabad Square (Sepah Square), Eshratabad Barracks (Vali-Asr Barracks)
9- Kakh Khorram or Stone Palace
Khorram Palace is one of the most mysterious landmarks in Tehran, with many secrets hidden within its corridors. Built in the late Pahlavi era, part of it was completed and opened in 1973. Locals living around the palace believe there are tunnels beneath it that stretch as far as Tehran University, and that the former government used these tunnels to move important people and political prisoners.
Today, the palace's black iron doors are closed. The only use for Khorram Palace now is as parking for the staff of Rasul Akram Hospital. Some believe that the Foundation of the Oppressed donated the palace to the hospital, and it is likely that a new hospital will soon be constructed on the site.
Address: Tehran, Shahid Chamran Highway, Malakouti, between Shahrara and Siyamaki
10- Sena Palace
Before the Islamic Revolution, Sena Palace was the location of the parliament building. After the revolution, the Constitution was written in this very building, and the Iranian Parliament continued to meet there until 2001. Today, the parliament convenes in the Baharestan building, and the Sena Palace only hosts annual sessions and government gatherings.
Address: Tehran, Imam Khomeini Street, opposite Imam Ali Military University, near Marble Palace
11- Sabet Passal Palace
Sabet Passal Palace was built in 1961 and was registered as a national monument in 2017. This house was once considered the most expensive and luxurious residence in Tehran. It is said to have belonged to Habibollah Sabet, who, along with his family, lived there for only two years before leaving Iran for the United States after the revolution. The house was later confiscated.
In 2017, the government planned to demolish the house and build a cultural and artistic center, but the Cultural Heritage Organization prevented the demolition and registered the house as a national monument. Today, the house is not open to the public, and entry or interference in it is legally prohibited.
Address: Tehran, Pahlavi Street, near the intersection with Jomhuri Street
