Golestan Palace Tehran
One of the oldest and historic palaces that is located in the heart and core of Tehran city, which originally built during the Safavid dynasty is Golestan Palace. It is also pronounced "Kakheh Golestan" that is the former royal Qajar complex in Iran's capital city. All traces of mid 18th-century construction by the Zand regime were almost totally obliterated by the early Qajar shahs and, rubbing salt into the wound, Agha Mohammed ordered the bones of Karim Khan Zand to be exhumed from his Shiraz grave and placed under the main threshold to be trodden on by all.
History
The palace stands on the site of the historic citadel of Tehran which was originally built in the Shah Abbas region of Safavid Dynasty. The citadel became the official royal residence when Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar moved the capital of Iran to Tehran and further palace buildings were constructed during the reign of Karim Khan Zand. Buildings commissioned by Naser Al-din Shah, such as the Shams-ol-Emaneh ("Edifice of the Sun") and the Emarat-e Badgir ("Building of the Wind Towers") show traces of a European architectural style and building technology that the modernising king was influenced by on his travels.
The official residence and seat of government of the Qajar court was Golestan Palace of Tehran, at that time, foreign dignitaries were invited to this palace and compared its artistry to the royal buildings of Europe. The palace was rebuilt in 1865 by architect Haji Ab ol Hasan Mimar Navai on the orders of Naser Al-din Shah and most of the buildings we see today date from that period. During the Pahlavi dynasty (1925-1979), the palace was still used for formal occasions, but the Pahlavis built their own, more modern palace in Niavaran in north Tehran. The walled palace inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. Today, the palace is operated by the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization of Iran.
Architecture
One can observe its perfect architecture which is a combination of traditional palace and traditional museum architecture. The complex exemplifies architectural and artistic achievements of the Qajar era including the introduction of European motifs and styles into Persian arts. In fact, while you visit the palace, you should visit Shamsolemare because this place is so beautiful and it has so many fabulous artful works, mirror works and the like; to illustrate, after you visit this palace you can visit the Bazaar. In my opinion, This palace is one of the most beautiful palaces. Particularly enjoy the hall of mirrors plus the opulence of the later day rulers. Wish you the greatest times during your visit of this marvelous place and historical attraction.
Sections of Complex
Golestan palace is made up of 17 buildings with eight key structures that includes Marble Throne, Karim Khani Nook, Pond House, Brilliant Hall, Cntainers Hall, Ivory Hall, Mirror Hall, Salam Hall, Diamond hall, the building of Windcatchers, the edifice of the Sun, Museum of Gifts, the White Palace, Museum Hall, Anthropology Museum and Photographic archive.
Opening hours
This palace is open for visitors in spring, summer time: every day from 9:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m. except public mourning holidays and in autumn, winter time: every day from 9:00 a.m. to 16:30 p.m. except public mourning holidays.