Archive for category: Things To Do

Tehran is known as “the city of museums” among people. This bustling metropolis embraces picturesque historical garden museums as well. These amazing attractions combine history narrations with artistic creations to exhibit glorious history as well as man-made artifacts. Though the heavy traffic and crowded streets are sometimes annoying, garden museums in Tehran can provide you a peaceful relaxing atmosphere to escape the city chaos. Let’s explore the top 10 historical garden museums in Tehran you shouldn’t miss for an enjoyable visit and a memorable experience.

Golestan Palace

Golestan Palace Complex is the only UNESCO Heritage Site in the heart of Tehran. It sits in a region initially called Tehran Arg which was the city’s gateway in the Qajar period. The palace was established during the Safavid era. Zand dynasty renovated it. Then, the founder of the Qajar dynasty, Agha Mohammad Khan, selected the palace as the official residence of the Qajar dynasty (1794-1925). Moreover, it became the center of artistic creations. The palace complex is composed of seventeen palaces and halls of different ages surrounding a picturesque garden. Each building is a treasure of architecture, art, and decorative craftsmanship. Golestan Palace has witnessed some significant moments in Iran’s history such as the coronation of the Qajar and Pahlavi kings. Shams-ol Emareh, or the Sun Building, the first recreational tower of Tehran, is one of the valuable features of this palace complex. It enjoys a good view of the Tehran landscape from its rooftop. Takht-e Marmar Terrace (Marble Throne), Talar-e Ayeneh (Mirror Hall), Khalvat-e Karim Khani (Karim Khan Nook), and Emarat-e Badgir (the Wind Catcher) are among the prominent halls that should not be missed.

Opening hours:

Spring and summer: Every day from 9:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m. except for public mourning holidays

Fall and winter: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 16:30 p.m. except for public mourning holidays

Location: Click Here

Saadabad Palace

Saadabad Palace is a cultural and historical complex located in Shemiran, at the northernmost part of Tehran. Its lavish garden, covering an area of 110 hectares, embraces 18 palaces and galleries dating back to Qajar (19^th century) and Pahlavi periods.  The area was used as a summer palace for the Qajar royal family at first and later, as the summer residence of Pahlavi dynasty. It turned into the museum after the revolution in 1972. The Green Palace- the first palace built during Pahlavi period, the White Palace or Mellat Museum that is the largest mansion, the Black Palace (or Fine Arts Museum), the Military Museum, and the Dafine Museum (or Museum of Treasure) are just some of the remarkable palaces and museums for tours to Tehran. There is much more to see in the complex! After your visit, you can make your way to Tajrish Bazaar for shopping or to Darband for relaxing, drinking tea or eating traditional food in the cafes or restaurants settled along the river.

Opening hours: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 18:45 p.m. except public mourning holidays (Last entry: 17:00)

Location: Click Here

Niavaran Palace

Niavaran Palace is a historical complex located in a landscaped garden in the north of Tehran. The complex traces its origin to the Qajar dynasty. It was used as the summer residence by the Qajar monarchs. The pavilions were added to the complex during the reign of different Qajar kings. Today, Niavaran Palace consists of five museums including Niavaran Palace (the primary residence of the last royal family), the private library containing about 23000 books, Ahmad Shahi Pavilion (built during the late Qajar era), Sahebqaraniyeh Palace, and Jahan Nama Museum. Some copies of inscriptions from ancient times of Persia are exhibited in the garden as well.

Opening hours:

Spring and summer: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. except public mourning holidays

Fall and winter: Every day from 8:00 a.m. to 16:00 p.m. except public mourning holidays

Location: Click Here

Moghadam Museum

Moghadam Museum is one of the most precious museums in Tehran. The house dates back to the Qajar period. Mohsen Moghadam- one of the Iranian pioneers of archeology who inherited the house from his father- and his French wife dedicated life to collecting valuable historical objects from around the world. They bequeathed the family house with all its treasure to Tehran University.

Opening hours: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 17 p.m. except Saturdays and public mourning holidays

Location: Click Here

Ferdows Garden

Baq-e Ferdows (literally the paradise) is a historical complex, covering 20 thousand square meters, in Tajrish in the north part of Tehran. It was called Ferdows since the beauty of its garden, pools, and fountains, as well as the splendid decorations of the mansion,  replicated the beauty of heaven on earth.  The complex was founded during the reign of Mohammad Shah Qajar (1808-1848). It was also used to be called Mohammadieh at that time. After the king’s death, the complex underwent alterations over the years. The two-floor mansion (the oldest part was completely destroyed) in the middle of the complex is applied as the Cinema Museum of Iran from 2002. It is decorated with patterned pillars and moldings. The museum exhibits photos, posters, and equipment of Iran’s movie industry. In fact, it presents and safeguards Iran’s cinema heritage. It is usually the host of different cultural events such as theater shows. The garden embraces two movie theaters, two cafeterias, and gift shops. Ferdows garden is close to the museums of Time and Music, as well as Imamzadeh Saleh.

Opening hours:

Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 19:00 p.m. except Fridays and public mourning holidays (Last entry: 18:15)

Location: Click Here

Negarestan Garden

This beautiful garden is located in the central part of Tehran. It was built in 1802 by the order of Fath Ali Shah- the second Qajar king- as a summer residence. The halls are ornamented with mirrors. Since the mansion was decorated by the most prominent painters’ works, it was named Negarestan, literally meaning a place encompassing many pictures. The museum in the garden exhibits the paintings of Kamal-ol Molk (1847-1940) – the leading Iranian artist- and a number of his students. Negarestan garden was turned into the school of fine arts by Kamal-ol Molk in 1911. In 1934, some parts of this historical garden were used by Tehran University to hold educational courses. Today, the garden has been changed into the museum of Tehran University’s history and glory. An open-air café in the garden offers the visitors refreshing drinks and a traditional menu in a pleasant environment. It takes only five minutes to walk from the Baharestan metro station to this beautiful garden. It is also very close to several museums and tourist sites such as the National Jewelry Museum, National Museum of Iran, cafes, and restaurants.

Opening hours:

Museums: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. except Mondays and public mourning holidays

Garden: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 22:00 p.m. except for public mourning holidays

Restaurant: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 22:00 p.m. except for public mourning holidays

Location: Click Here

Masoudieh Palace

The five-hectare Masoudieh Palace (Emarat-e Masoudieh) is one of the most beautiful historic houses in the center of Tehran dating back to the Qajar period. Its beautiful Iranian-European architecture made this place a popular attraction for the residents as well as the tourists and travelers who wish to experience the Tehran city tour. The Divankhaneh palace is decorated with stucco, colored glasses, ceramics, gridded doors and windows, symmetrical floral patterns and geometrical motifs, calligraphy, and murals. The palace was built in 1878 by order of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar for his son Masoud Mirza- the governor of Isfahan. Over time, it was used for different cultural, historical, and political purposes: the main gathering center for the Iranian Constitutional Revolution (1905-1911), the first official library (1926), the national museum of Iran, and Ministry of Education (1967). There are two mansions, a restaurant, and an entrance hall in the complex. The restaurant, with a traditional design, serves traditional food and drinks in a cozy environment. Some cultural classes and galleries are held in this historical mansion on different occasions throughout the year.

Opening hours: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 16:00 p.m. except on public holidays

Location: Click Here

Time Museum

Time Museum was inaugurated in 1999. The two-story mansion, dating back to the Qajar era, is a mixture of architecture, amazing plaster works, and tile works. Outdoors, the visitors can see some models of old sundials, clepsydras, hourglasses, and the like some going back to 5000 years ago. The first floor exhibits the evolution of clocks from the seventeenth century to the present. Different kinds of clocks- pendulum, wall, floor, mantel and tabletop, bracket, cuckoo, chime shut off, musical, atomic, etc. – ornamented with sculpture, enamel, and mosaic have been presented by other countries to Iran. The first Iranian-made clock is kept here too. The second floor displays the prominent political, historical, and scientific characters’ watches, as well as other kinds of clocks such as marine, and military clocks. The evolution of time measurement tools, mechanical clocks and watches, and some fossils from different geological periods are exhibited on this floor as well. The walls of the museum show the documents on the Iranian calendar. There is a café in the garden where you can relax and refresh. Its breakfast is popular among visitors. It is close to a number of attractions such as Saadabad palace, Niavaran palace, Tajrish traditional bazaar, and Cinema museum in Ferdows garden.

Opening hours: Every day from 9:00 to 18:30 from Saturdays to Wednesdays and from 10:00 to 18:30 on Thursdays and Fridays except national holidays

Location: Click Here

Iranian Art Museum Garden

Though the Museum Garden of Iranian Arts (or Bagh-e Honar-e Irani) is not a historical site, it contains replicas of twelve Iranian historical buildings and monuments in miniature size. The small models of prominent tourist sites, made by Italian artists in the Pahlavi period, such as Tehran’s Azadi Tower, Zanjan’s Soltaniyeh Dome, Kashan’s Fin Garden, Shiraz’s Naqsh-e Rustam, Urmia’s St. Thaddeus Monastery, and Isfahan’s Chehel Sotoun are scattered in the beautiful garden surrounded by handicraft shops, a bookstore, a restaurant, and a cafe. Here’s a nice spot for walking, shopping, eating, relaxing, and mingling with locals. Moreover, art exhibitions and workshops are sometimes held here. The garden and its mansion were built in 1932 but opened as a museum in 2008. It covers the nearly one-hectare area in Elahieh near Tajrish square in the north part of Tehran.

Opening hours: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 21:30 p.m. except for public mourning holidays

Location: Click Here

Tehran’s Persian Garden

Persian or Iranian Garden (or Baq-e Irani) is located in an old neighborhood known as Vanak Village (Deh Vanak) in northwest Tehran. Though it is not that much big, you can spend some peaceful moments there in the chaotic city of Tehran. It is also very convenient. This beautiful garden follows the amazing pattern of Persian Gardens’ architecture and design in ancient Persia. The brooks are flowing around and the tiny fountains are scattered along the way in the garden. Due to the beautiful tulips, the garden is scenic, especially in the springs. The building in garden was built in the traditional Persian style. It is decorated with colorful latticed windows.

Location: Click Here

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.

Naqsh-e Rostam is an ancient necropolis situated northwest of Persepolis, the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Naqsh-e Rustam (Naqsh-e Rostam) is an impressive reminder of the once glorious Achaemenid Persian Empire (c. 550–330 BC) and it stands as a magnificent manifestation of ancient Persian art. Naqsh-e Rostam is the house for the immense rock tombs cut high into the cliff. The rock tombs belong to four Achaemenian kings. The ancient tombs attracted Sasanian kings as well. They wished to imitate the glory of the Achaemenian kings; maybe that is why they created huge reliefs besides the tombs. The immense rock reliefs mainly depict the investiture scenes and the equestrian fights of the Sasanian kings. However, the history of Naqsh-e Rostam is not limited to the Achaemenid and Sassanid periods.

There is evidence that the site exists from the Elamite period.  An ancient rock relief dating back to the Elamite period indicates that Naqsh-e Rostam had been a sacred place during ancient times. That might be the reason Darius I ordered to carve his monumental tomb into the cliff at the foot of Mt. Hosain (Huseyn Kuh). His rock tomb is famous for its two inscriptions known as the king’s autobiography. The inscriptions indicate that Darius the Great had been the king who ruled according to justice. Travel to Iran and enjoy visiting so many great cultural attractions, especially the great ones registered on UNESCO World Heritage List or waiting to be registered. Pasargadae, Persepolis, Naqsh-e Rajab lies a few hundred meters from Naqsh-e Rustam, and Naqsh-e Rustam, the ancient necropolis of the powerful Persian kings are the best cultural attractions of Iran located in Shiraz, Fars province.

Achaemenid Tombs

Naqsh-e Rostam houses four rock tombs carved out of rock faces. Since the façades of the four Achaemenian tombs look like Persian crosses- chalipa- some call them Persian Crosses as well. The entrance to each tomb is located at the center of the cross and it leads to a small chamber where the king’s body lay in a sarcophagus. It is not clear whether the bodies were directly put into the sarcophaguses or the bodies were exposed to a tower of silence, and then the bones were put there. What is certain is that the tombs were closed after the burial, but the doors were smashed and the tombs were looted after the invasion of Alexander the Great in the 4th BC.

The four tombs cut high into the cliff belong to Achaemenid kings; however, only one of them is explicitly identified as it is accompanied by an inscription. The tomb belongs to Darius I who was the fourth Achaemenid emperor. There is a relief above his tomb and it depicts Darius I whose hands are raised for worship, he stands on a raised three- stepped platform in front of an altar, and the winged figure of Ahuramazda (the Zoroastrian god) is also at the center of the relief. The platform is supported by 28 throne bearers representing each of the kingdoms of the Achaemenid Empire. The other three rock tombs carry no inscriptions. Since the layout of the tombs is just copied from the tomb of Darius I, it is believed that they belong to his successors Xerxes I, Artaxerxes I, and Darius II. In 1923, the German archaeologist Ernst Herzfeld made casts of the inscriptions on the tomb of Darius I. Since 1946, the casts have been in the archives of the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery in Washington, DC.

Ka’ba-ye Zartosht

In front of the rock tombs, there is a square tower known as the Ka’ba-ye Zartosht which means the Cube of Zoroaster (Ka’ba is the famous monument as a holy site for Muslims located in Mecca). The structure of the building is a copy of a sister building at Pasargadae known as the Prison of Solomon; however, this building is a few decades older than Ka’ba-ye Zartosht. On the wall of the tower, there is an inscription in three languages from Sasanian time and it is considered one of the most important inscriptions of that period. It is not obvious what the purpose of the building had been. It might have been a library for the holy books, a place to keep the holy fire, or maybe a treasury.

According to Persepolis fortification tablets, there must have been trees at Necropolis that apparently refer to Naqsh-e Rostam. The experts believe that there must have been three lines of trees in the area between the tower and the tombs; however, it has been a long time since the trees disappeared.

Sassanid Reliefs

Besides the tombs, there are seven oversized stone reliefs dating from the 3rd century AD.  The huge rock reliefs mainly belong to the Sassanid period and they depict scenes of imperial conquests and royal ceremonies. What is amazing about the reliefs is that they indicate details of events carved in the heart of rough rocks. Therefore, they can give the visitors a visual insight into the spirits of ancient times.

The most famous rock relief at Naqsh-e Rostam belongs to the Sasanian king Shapur I. The relief depicts his victory over two Roman emperors; Valerian and Philip the Arab. Shapur I is on the horseback, while Valerian is bowing to him and Philip the Arab is holding Shapur’s horse.

The investiture relief of Ardashir I as the founder of the Sassanid Empire is also depicted. The relief indicates Ohrmazd giving Ardeshir the ring of kingship. The inscription also has the oldest use of the term “Iran”.

There are also equestrian reliefs such as the equestrian relief of Hormizd II at Naghsh-e Rustam. The relief depicts Hormozid and above the relief, one would see a badly damaged relief that apparently is depicting Shapur II with his courtiers.

The relief of Bahram II depicts the king with an oversized sword. On the left, five figures stand and they seem to be the members of the king’s family. On the right, three courtiers stand and one of them is apparently Kartir- a highly prominent Zoroastrian priest.

The Oldest Relief at Naqsh-e Rostam

The oldest relief at Naqsh-e Rostam dates back to approximately 1000 BC and it dates back to the Elamite period. Though the relief is severely damaged, it depicts a faint image of a man with unusual headgear. He is thought to be an Elamite one.

Why Is It Called Naqsh-e Rostam?

Sassanid reliefs mainly depict equestrian fights or investiture scenes. Since the equestrian fights of the Sasanian kings represent the tales of chivalry, locals believed that the man depicted on reliefs was Rustam, the hero of Shahnameh. The epic of Shahnameh is the masterpiece of Ferdowsi, the great Iranian poet of the 10th and 11th the century. Therefore, the site is called Naqsh-e Rustam (meaning the carvings of Rustam); because the locals believed that the carved man on the reliefs was their epic hero” Rustam”.

To explore the awe-inspiring ancient site of Naqsh-e Rostam, the ancient necropolis of powerful Persian kings of the Achaemenid dynasty, travel to Iran- the country of ancient civilization and diverse cultures- and enjoy visiting its fantastic tourist sites and its friendly locals.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.