Sar dare Ali Qapu

One of the historical and touristic relics of Qazvin town in Qazvin Province, which is located in the beginning of Sepah Street (the first street of Iran) is called Sar dare Ali Qapu (transom of Ali Qapu). This building was one of the seven entrances to the Safavids’ royal Arg. Also, it is the main entrance opening to Shah Street and square, and the door is the only thing left from this set. This building was registered in July 4th, 1934 in the list of Iran’s national relics.

 

Description

This frontisoiece was considered as the main entrance to residence of safavid era. Frontispiece includes a high porch, an entrance with a sharp arch and three rows of odds in two sides. Ali Qapu was the portal for a mansion named the same but unfortunately, there is no sign of this mansion nowadays.

The historical Ali Qapu is the portal of one of the seven doors of the royal mansion. Sar dare Ali Qapu was located on the southern part of the mansion. It was first built during Shah Tahmasp I and then was altered in later periods. Naser al Din Shah added some parts to Ali Qapu Portal too.
 

Architecture

Earrings with bricky columns in two storey complete the panorama of frontispiece. Eight-form that is joined to the porch of entrance is octangular, there are guardians rooms in two sides of entrance. An inscription and tilling nets are decorations which have remained on the porch of entrance. The inscription has written by Alireza Abbasi, popular painter & calligrapher in Safavid era.

A nice inscription of curved tiles are installed on the portal and above this inscription, there is a big window made out of tile. Ali Qapu Portal is connected to an octagonal space with two rooms where the guards were used to be there. Beautiful tile and plaster works make Ali Qapu Portal a nice place to visit and learn about Persian art.