Discover 3 Historic Palaces in Karaj with Walls Full of Qajar Stories from the Qajar and Pahlavi Eras – An Unforgettable Experience [Photos]

According to Saed News Tourism Service, palaces in any city or country are among the most attractive destinations for tourists. Palaces that still serve as residences for high-ranking officials are even more fascinating. Their large size, opulent and exquisite antique furnishings, magnificent and unique architecture, and the blending of multiple architectural styles are factors that captivate visitors. In Alborz Province, there are three notable palaces, considered must-see attractions in Karaj: Shams Palace (or Pearl Palace), Soleymanieh Palace, and Shahrestanak Palace. Below is a brief introduction to each of these remarkable sites.

Shams Palace (Pearl Palace)

During the Pahlavi era, many palaces were built across Iran, each considered a valuable historical and architectural landmark. Shams Palace, also known as Pearl Palace, belonged to Shams Pahlavi, sister of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and is one of the most luxurious palaces of the Pahlavi family. Unlike many Iranian palaces, it was built entirely in a Western style. Its design, structure, and colors—shaped like a stingray inside a gleaming white shell—are completely unique, making it a distinguished masterpiece even compared to other famous palaces such as Sa’dabad Palace.

The palace grounds include a relatively large lake that resembles a stingray’s fins from above, surrounding the main building like a peninsula. Various sections of the palace are housed under a large spiral roof adorned with white skylights resembling pearls. The palace comprises multiple areas, including the Golden Hall, Reception Hall, Shams’s Office, a cinema, billiard hall, swimming pool, fountain, aviary for rare birds, and several bedrooms.

One of the palace’s most unique features is the Shell Room, decorated with extraordinary designs. Its exterior, shaped like a spiral shell, perfectly complements the interior design. Built on 110 hectares of land with a 2,500 square meter foundation in Mehrshahr, Karaj, the palace cost approximately one million dollars and is recognized as the work of renowned architect Wesley Peters.

Soleymanieh Palace

Soleymanieh Palace resembles a traditional mansion with breathtaking architecture, yet it does not flaunt opulence. Each corner of this unpretentious residence can captivate your gaze. Its most striking feature is the richly detailed paintings depicting scenes from the life of Fath-Ali Shah Qajar and his entourage, drawing visitors’ attention.

Other notable architectural features include arched wooden windows, a high-ceilinged hall flanked by several rooms, a harmonious mix of turquoise and brown tile colors, mirrored decorations, plasterwork, and beautifully adorned wooden ceilings. Another remarkable detail is the palace’s turquoise staircases, which naturally draw your eyes upward for a few moments before you climb them. Soleymanieh Palace is located within the Karaj Agricultural College and is considered part of its grounds.

Historically, the palace was surrounded by other buildings such as Farashabad, Kolah Farangi, Kolah Golshan, and Dar Ghermezi, as well as gardens named Ferdowsi, Shah, and Anguri. Today, these structures no longer exist. A five-story tower also stood on the eastern side, of which only the ground floor ruins remain. Soleymanieh Palace was built in 1227 AH by order of Fath-Ali Shah to commemorate the birth of his 34th son, Soleiman Mirza.

Shahrestanak Palace, Karaj

Shahrestanak Palace is another historical monument from the Qajar era in Karaj, though it now lies in ruins, with little remaining of its former grandeur. Built in 1295 AH in the village of Shahrestanak along the Chalus Road, it was intended as a summer residence for the Qajar kings.

The palace consists of two sections—interior and exterior—with 19 rooms across the north and east wings. It originally contained two bathrooms, one for the king and one for his entourage. Known as Naseri Palace, it features distinctive architecture and was even depicted in a painting by the famous artist Kamal-ol-Molk.

To reach Shahrestanak Palace, travelers must first drive along the Karaj-Chalus road to the village of Doab, northeast of Amir Kabir Dam (Karaj Dam), then continue 13 kilometers to the village of Shahrestanak.