A TRAVEL GUIDE TO TEHRAN Part II: TOP PALACES AND GARDENS

Filled with a royal history of kings, princes and empresses, Iran offers a plethora of ancient palaces and Persian gardens which will delight any traveller. The palaces in and around Tehran are among the most beautiful in the world. In addition, Esfahan, which was the former capital of Persia, and Shiraz are worth visits if you are following the great rulers. From the Qajar dynasty to royal homes of the Pahlavi family, you will be able to get a glimpse of the glorious lives of the ruling families by visiting the palace and garden grounds.

Niavaran Palace and Museums - One of the most beautiful and extensive grounds, Niavaran palace boasts two palaces, a pavilion, Persian gardens, museum and smaller gallery. The complex cover over 9000 square meters of ground and was built in 1958. The main palace, the Niavaran Palace has two floors and offers carpets and artifacts on display, including a carpet from Kerman illustrated with Iranian kings from the Achaemenian to the Qajar dynasties. Another delight is the Sahebqaraniyeh Palace (left). Before Tehran had expanded to where it is today, Niavaran was considered a summer escape and resort area with more pleasant and cooler weather. Sahebgharaniyeh was built as the summer harem for Nasser-ed-Din Shah. Today, a refurbished structure houses the Jahan-nama Museum as well as two floors of palace grounds. This includes a beautiful little hoz khooneh (pool room), some Qajar paintings, and a tea house, depicting art and architecture from the late 18th century. You can also spend some time visiting the Ahmad Shahi pavilion and beautiful garden and grounds. The complex also offers a private cinema, library, and visitor facilities. For more information or directions to Niavaran Palace visit their Website.

Sa'ad Abaad Palace and Museums- Also written in English as Saad Aabaad or Sa'ad Abaad palace, this cultural complex is massive, compromising 410 hectars of palace estate. During the Qajar rule, the units were composed of seven districts. Later, the Pahlavis extended the structures to include 18 palaces, some of which became the royal residences for the Shah and his relatives. Currently, there are seven palaces in Saad Abaad open to the public and they showcase palaces and Iranian art. A sample of traditional Persian miniature art done with watercolors is shown here and resides in the Abkar Museum. Saad Abaad Palace includes many places to visit such as The White Palace (Nation's Museum), The Mother`s Palace (Museum of Reminiscence and Warning), Shahnaz Palace (Saad Abaad Natural History Museum), Ministry of Court (Museum of Fine Arts), Shahvand Palace (Green Museum), The Shahram Palace (Museum of Military Implements), the Behzad Museum, and The Shams Palace (Museum of Anthropological Research). The complex also offers visitors a small library, conference room, cinema, amphitheatre, radio station, restaurant, tea house, and green house. To find out which palaces are open or to get directions, visit the Saad Abaad Website.

Golestan Palace - When Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar (1742-1797) became king, he chose Tehran as the new capital. The famous Arg of Tehran was named the site of the Qajar court. It was then that Golestan Palace became the official residence of the royal family. Consisting of many rooms, terraces, and courtyards, this palace is one of the most beautiful and definitely worth a visit. Some highlights include the Takht-e-Marmar (Marble Throne) which was ordered by Fath Ali Shah Qajar ( 1797-1834) in 1806. Here you can see old Persian paintings, marble, tile, stucco, Persian mirrors, and other elaborate and intricate hand work from the finest and most exemplary of Iranian architecture. Coronation ceremonies would take place in this ewan (terrace). The palace also has the token hoz khooneh (pool room), many reception and ceremony halls such as the Talar-e Adj (Hall of Ivory), filled with gifts to the monarchs by European dignitaries. Another impressive room is the Aks khaneh (House of Photographs), which is a a large summer chamber under the Badgir. As with the hoz khooneh, this room was cooled using an old Persian method which pumped water from a subterranean streams called qanats into a small pond. Like other chambers, it is now used to display art work, in particular pictures taken by Nassr-o-Din Shah, who was an avid photographer. Located in eastern section of Golestan palace, the Shams ol-Emareh Palace belonged to the era of Nassereddin Shah. This magnificent building (right) was constructed by Doost Ali Khan Moayerrol Mamalek between 1865 and 1867, with the help of architect Master Ali Mohammad Kashi. A prime example of European and Iranian mixed architecture of the late 18th century, this palace has two monumental towers, which were considered the highest at the time they were built. The exterior facade boasts intricate tile work, ornate windows, and Persian woodwork. In addition to this and other exhibistion hallds, the Golestan palace also offers the usual visitor facilities. To find out more or for a virtual tour of the premises, visit their website.

Parks of Tehran - Tehran is filled with green fields which include some small parks, large parks and beautiful gardens and flower beds. Although most neighborhoods in Tehran have small parks consisting of a few benches, grass and trees, the more impressive ones are definitely worth visiting. Here you can go for strolls, enjoy the cafes or just get away from the bustle and noise of city life. Tehran parks include Baharan, Niavaran, Narenj, Laleh, Mellat, Golsar, Golmehr, Piroozi and many more. To find out more about Tehran's parks, visit the official Tehran Parks website. You will also find a link here to the Tehran International Exhibition of Flowers and Ornamental Plants.