SAEDNEWS: In the heart of Iran’s Alborz Province, three historic gems — Solaymaniyeh, Shams (Pearl) Palace, and the royal retreat of Shahrestanak — stand as living testaments to centuries of Persian artistry, royal ambition, and architectural mastery, each offering a rare glimpse into the nation’s cultural opulence and storied past.
Alborz Province contains several palaces, among them Shams Palace — also known as the Pearl Palace — one of the most luxurious palaces of the Pahlavi era.
Palaces in any city or country are among the most attractive sights for tourists, and the appeal of palaces that still serve as residences for high-ranking officials is even greater. Large palace grounds, many valuable and ornate antiques, stunning and unique architecture, and the blending of multiple architectural styles all contribute to making these historic monuments beloved by visitors. There are three palaces in Alborz Province. These palaces, considered among Karaj’s attractions, are Shams Palace (Pearl Palace), Solaymaniyeh Palace-Museum, and Shahrestanak Palace. Below is a brief introduction to each of the three.
Many palaces were built in Iran during the Pahlavi era, each serving as a valuable piece of history and architecture. Shams Palace, also known as the Pearl Palace, belonged to Shams Pahlavi, sister of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and is one of the most luxurious palaces of the Pahlavi family. This building does not reflect traditional Iranian architecture and was built entirely in a Western style. Its design, structure, and color — resembling a stingray inside a bright white shell — are completely unique, making this palace a significant work and even giving it precedence over other famous palaces like Sa’dabad Palace.
Within the palace grounds there is a relatively large lake that from above looks like the fins of a stingray and surrounds the palace building like a peninsula. Various sections of the building are contained under a large spiral-shaped roof, beautifully decorated with white skylights that resemble pearls. The palace comprises sections such as the Golden Music Hall (Hall of the Golden Bar), a reception hall, Shams’s office, a cinema hall, a billiard room, a swimming pool, fountains, enclosures for rare birds, and several bedrooms.
One of the most distinctive parts of this palace is the “Shell Room,” which has exquisite decorations; its exterior — evoking the shape of a snail shell — complements the unique design of this room. The palace was built on a plot of 110 hectares with a 2,500-square-meter footprint in Mehrshahr, Karaj, at a cost of one million dollars, and is a masterpiece by renowned architect Wesley Peters.
Solaymaniyeh Palace more closely resembles a traditional manor with stunning architecture and does not flaunt ostentation like more opulent palaces. Every corner of this unpretentious mansion can hold your gaze for a moment. Perhaps the palace’s trump card for attracting visitors is its richly illustrated paintings that portray scenes from the life of Fath-Ali Shah and his circle.
Horseshoe-shaped wooden windows, a tall central hall flanked by multiple rooms on both sides, the turquoise-and-brown tile color palette, mirror work, stucco, a decorated wooden ceiling, and other ornamental designs are among the architectural features of this palace. Another striking feature that mesmerizes every visitor is its turquoise staircases — you can’t help but stare at them for a few moments before climbing. Solaymaniyeh Palace is located within the Karaj College of Agriculture and is actually part of its campus.
In the past, additional buildings once stood around this palace — such as the Farashabad building, Kolah Farangi Mansion, Kolah Golshan Mansion, Dar Ghermezi Mansion, and gardens named Ferdowsi, Shah, and Angouri — but today none of them remain. There was also a five-story tower on the eastern side, of which now only the ruins of the ground floor remain. This palace was commissioned in 1227 AH (Islamic lunar calendar) by order of Fath-Ali Shah to mark the birth of his thirty-fourth son, Solayman Mirza.
Shahrestanak Palace in Karaj is another historical remnant from the Qajar era that is now largely ruined with little of its former splendor remaining. This palace, located in the village of Shahrestanak on the Karaj–Chalus route, was built in 1295 (solar Hijri) by order of Naser al-Din Shah for use as a royal summer residence.
Shahrestanak Palace consists of two parts — the inner and outer sections — and has 19 rooms across its northern and eastern fronts. The building also had two baths: one designated for the king and the other for his companions and entourage. This palace, also known as the Naseri Palace, featured distinctive architecture and was the subject of a painting by the famed artist Kamal-ol-Molk.
To reach Shahrestanak Palace, start by taking the Karaj–Chalus road to the village of Doab, which is located northeast of Amir Kabir Dam (Karaj Dam), then continue along a 13-mile road to reach Shahrestanak village.
