Located on Panzdeh-e Khordad Street in Tehran, Golestan Palace is one of Iran’s most iconic historical landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This royal complex combines centuries of Iranian and European architectural styles and attracts both Iranian and international visitors. Key sites include Marble Throne (Takht-e Marmar), Salam Hall (Talar-e Salam), Mirror Hall (Talar-e Aineh), Dining Hall, Karim Khani Nook, Brilliant Hall, Windcatcher Building (Emarat-e Badgir), Containers Hall (Talar-e Zoruf), Edifice of the Sun (Shams ol-Emareh), Diamond Hall, Museum of Gifts, Ivory Hall (Talar-e Adj), and Abyaz Palace.
The origins of Golestan Palace trace back to the Safavid era under Abbas the Great, when early structures and gardens were established. However, the palace reached its current prominence during the Qajar dynasty, especially under Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar.
Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, the first Iranian monarch to travel to Europe, introduced European influences to the palace architecture. The palace served as the royal residence, a ceremonial venue, and a center for training artists and architects. Subsequent Qajar rulers, including Mozaffar ad-Din Shah, Mohammad Ali Shah, and Ahmad Shah Qajar, maintained and added minor modifications to the complex.
Golestan Palace showcases a blend of Iranian and European neoclassical styles, featuring:
Intricate tilework with motifs of love, hunting, battles, landscapes, and historical events
Mirror halls with elaborate mirrorwork
European-inspired elements, especially in Shams ol-Emareh and Abyaz Palace
Plasterwork, paintings, and gold decorations throughout the palace
The Mirror Hall (Talar-e Aineh) alone took over seven years to complete and remains a centerpiece of the palace’s beauty.
Marble Throne (Takht-e Marmar):
Built with Yazd lemon marble, supported by angels and demons, decorated with stonework, mirrors, gold, lions, a dragon, and a poem by Malik al-Shu’ara about Fath Ali Shah.
Salam Hall (Talar-e Salam):
Constructed between 1293–1296 AH, it served as the Throne Hall and ceremonial venue, inspired by Western museums.
Mirror Hall:
Located next to Salam Hall, famous for Kamal-ol-Molk’s paintings of the hall and Naser al-Din Shah.
Edifice of the Sun (Shams ol-Emareh):
A 35-meter-tall building designed for city views, combining metal, plasterwork, painting, mirrorwork, and goldwork, symbolizing modernization in Iranian architecture.
Takyeh Dowlat:
Built for Ashura mourning ceremonies, octagonal with three entrances for men, women, and the king.
Museum of Gifts:
Displays exquisite gifts from Qajar kings, including European furniture, jewelry, and art objects.
Ivory Hall (Talar-e Adj):
Named for two large elephant tusks, with architectural elegance captured in watercolor by Malik al-Shu’ara.
Containers Hall (Talar-e Zoruf):
Showcases gifts from European monarchs, including Napoleon Bonaparte, Queen Victoria, Alexander III, and Nicholas I.
Karim Khani Nook (Khalvat-e Karim Khani):
Houses the relocated tomb of Naser al-Din Shah and Fath Ali Shah’s Marble Throne.
Abyaz Palace:
Painted white in European style to accommodate royal gifts, with marble stairs and European-inspired interiors.
Windcatcher Building (Emarat-e Badgir):
Features royal halls with 9 sash windows, marble plinths, spiral columns, seven-color tiles, and painted ceilings.
Daily: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
For official information about Golestan Palace, visit the official website, and for its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site, see the UNESCO page.
