Saed News: If you’re a lover of authentic Iranian arts, join us with this 20-second video and a collection of images showcasing the most beautiful palace of the Qajar kings.
According to the Tourism Service of Saed News, Tehran is home to many museums that serve as attractive tourist destinations, and one of the most notable among them is the Golestan Palace Museum Garden. This complex is a remnant of the historical Tehran Citadel, the residence of Qajar dynasty kings, and is considered one of the most beautiful and oldest buildings in Iran’s 200-year-old capital.
Golestan Palace is one of Iran's most important national monuments, made up of various sections, and is currently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The history of this building dates back to the Safavid era.
Golestan Palace
The Golestan Palace Garden is over 400 years old. Its buildings are adorned with stunning mirrorwork and colorful tilework, incorporating European decorative elements as well. The palace complex includes parts such as the Marble Throne Veranda, Salam Hall, Hall of Mirrors, Dining Hall, Karim Khani Nook, Brilliant Hall, Windcatcher Building, Shams-ol-Emareh Palace, Diamond Hall, and Abyaz Palace. After touring the palace, you can immerse yourself further in history by dressing in Qajar-era clothing at the palace’s photo studio and taking a souvenir picture.
Today, Golestan Palace spans about 5 hectares. Interestingly, its original area was 10 times larger. However, under the rule of the Pahlavi kings, much of the land was repurposed for government buildings and offices. Below are some of its most important sections:
A major section of the palace, Shams-ol-Emareh was built during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah. Inspired by Western architecture, it was once considered a symbol of Tehran.
This intriguing section of the palace holds an eerie past. After ascending to the throne, Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar placed the bones of his rival, Karim Khan Zand, here to metaphorically step on them daily. Later, Pahlavi monarchs reburied the bones in Qom. The tombstones of two notable Qajar kings—Fath Ali Shah and Naser al-Din Shah—are also located in this area.
The oldest part of the palace is this veranda, inspired by the throne of the biblical Solomon, meant to host formal meetings between the king and the public. It features exquisite marble stonework, inlay, wood carving, stone carving, and mirrorwork.
Known for its dazzling mirrorwork, this hall was originally built by Fath Ali Shah and later renovated by Naser al-Din Shah.
This structure was designed to ventilate and cool the entire palace. It includes features such as marble tiling, a royal hall, and striking architectural details like mirrorwork, stucco carvings, wall paintings, and inlay work.
Located in the basement of the Windcatcher Building, this museum was once used to house birds but now displays early photography equipment used by Qajar kings.
This palace was built to house valuable gifts from the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid. Since Naser al-Din Shah, being extremely wealthy, had no need for them, he had a special palace constructed for their storage—now known as Abyaz Palace.
After traveling to Europe, Naser al-Din Shah was inspired by Western museums and decided to create one in his own palace. Salam Hall became Iran’s first museum and features beautiful and detailed architecture. Although initially a museum, it later became the venue for major royal ceremonies and meetings. Visitors are encouraged to explore every detail of this unique hall.
Address: 15 Khordad Street, North side of Arg Square, Golestan Palace
