If you have an interest in exploring historical sites, the Sa’dabad Historical and Cultural Complex (also Saad Abad, Saadabad) is a prominent destination in Iran’s modern history. It served as the residence of the last kings of Iran during the Qajar and Pahlavi eras. A visit to the Sa’dabad Palace complex can offer fascinating insights into Iran’s contemporary history.
The Sa’dabad palaces are nestled amidst lush green gardens, providing a delightful natural setting for leisurely walks. Whether you’re yet to experience the Sa’dabad Palace complex or wish to revisit its palaces and museums, this article in Parsi Tours Iran Travel Agency will provide you with comprehensive information for your visit to this historical and cultural complex.
Saad Abad Palace: The last residence of Kings of Iran
Located in Tehran, the Sa’dabad Palace complex was once a favored summer retreat for the Qajar and Pahlavi monarchs. It stands as one of the three historically significant palace complexes in the Shemiranat area of Tehran, where Iran’s last kings resided.
Originally, the Sa’dabad Palace complex was surrounded by extensive gardens, including a tree-filled garden within. The primary palace within the complex, known as the Sa’dabad Palace, witnessed expansions and renovations under the rule of Reza Khan. These palaces belonged to the family members of Reza Shah Pahlavi, with the last addition being Leila Pahlavi’s palace, the youngest daughter of Mohammad Reza Shah.
Today, the Sa’dabad Palace complex stands as one of Tehran’s most prominent attractions, drawing both domestic and international tourists with its historical, cultural, and natural allure.
Sa’dabad Palace Complex: The last residence of Kings of Iran
History of Saad Abad Palace
The history of Sa’dabad Palace dates back to the Qajar era, with significant expansions and renovations taking place after Reza Khan’s ascent to power during the Pahlavi dynasty. Some parts of the complex were initially located outside its boundaries but were later acquired and incorporated by Reza Shah.
The earliest buildings within the Sa’dabad complex occupied an area of 8,000 square meters, with the Queen Mother Palace being one of the initial structures. Presently, the Sa’dabad collection houses the largest historical collection from the Pahlavi and Qajar periods in Tehran.
Sa’dabad Palace Complex Museum
Where is Saad Abad Palace in Tehran?
Sa’dabad Palace complex lies in the northernmost part of Tehran, nestled at the foot of Tochal mountain. In the past, this area offered some of Tehran’s finest villas, boasting scenic views of the lush Darband valley and a refreshing natural environment. Urbanization has since expanded, placing the Sa’dabad Palace complex within the city’s limits, whereas it was once surrounded by gardens and beyond the city’s boundaries.
Inside the Sa’dabad Palace complex
The Sa’dabad complex is bordered by Niavaran to the east, Velenjak to the west, and Tajrish to the south. To the north, it is graced by the majestic Tochal mountain, part of the Alborz Mountain range. During the Qajar and Pahlavi reigns, this complex served as the royal summer residence.
Address of Saad Abad Palace
Getting to the Sa’dabad Palace complex depends on your location within Tehran. If you reside in the eastern part of Tehran, you can reach it via Zafaranieh Street, entering Taheri Street. Alternatively, those in the east can take the Shahid Qassem Soleimani highway to the Modares highway, then to Vali Asr Street, eventually leading to Sa’dabad complex.
For western Tehran residents, access the Chamran highway from the Hakim highway, continue to the Moghadas Ardabili exit, and follow Moghads Ardabili Street to Behzadi Boulevard, ultimately reaching Asef Square and Zafaranieh via Asef Street.
For those using public transportation to reach the Sa’dabad Palace complex, you can take Tehran Metro’s Line 1, BRT buses, or personal vehicles. Depending on your chosen entrance (Zafaranieh or Darband), the proximity to parking and public transportation options may vary.
For those visiting Niavaran Palace complex by private vehicle, Zafaranieh entrance provides ample parking space, while Darband entrance is more convenient for those relying on public transportation. To access Darband Square taxis, head to Jafari Street, or utilize Asef Station taxis located west of Tajrish Square.
No matter your chosen entrance, a brief 10-minute walk is usually required to enter the complex. Bus routes from various parts of Tehran and BRT buses along Vali Asr Street offer convenient transportation options.
For anyone eager to explore the Sa’dabad Palace complex by car, Zafaranieh entrance offers the best parking facilities. In contrast, Darband entrance is more suitable for those relying on public transportation.
Here are the addresses for both entrances:
- Zafaranieh Street Entrance: Vali-Asr Street, Shahid Fallahi Street (Zafaranieh), end of Shahid Kamal Taheri Street, Sa’dabad Historical Cultural Complex
- Tajrish Square and Darband Street Entrance: Tajrish Square, Shahid Jafari Street, south side of Darband Square, Sa’dabad Complex
For inquiries or additional information, you can contact the Sa’dabad complex at the following phone numbers: 021-22752031-9. The Sa’dabad Historical and Cultural Collection website is also available at sadmu.ir.
Working hours of Saad Abad Palace
The operating hours for the Sa’dabad Palace complex vary throughout the year. In the first six months, the complex welcomes visitors from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, during the latter six months due to colder weather and earlier darkness, visits begin at 8:00 AM and conclude at 5:00 PM. Please note that if you plan to purchase tickets in person, the ticket counters at the Sa’dabad complex close at 5:00 PM in the first half of the year and at 3:30 PM in the second half of the year.
The Sa’dabad Historical Cultural Complex is closed on certain significant dates, including 14 Khordad (death of Imam Khomeini), 21 Ramadan (Martyrdom of Imam Ali), 25 Shawwal (Martyrdom of Imam Jafar Sadeq), 28 Safar (Death of Prophet Muhammad), and the martyrdom of Imam Hassan Mojtabi, as well as the days of Tasua and Ashura.
Saad Abad Palace ticket price in 2023
To explore the various sections of the Sa’dabad complex, visitors must purchase tickets separately for each section. As of 1402 (according to the Persian calendar, same year as 2023-2024), the ticket prices for different sections are as follows:
At the time of this article’s publication, the exchange rate for the toman against the US dollar stands at: 1 US dollar equals 50,000 tomans.
- Entrance to the Complex: 5,000 tomans for domestic tourists and 100,000 tomans for foreign tourists.
- Mellat Palace Museum: 5,000 Tomans for domestic tourists and 100,000 tomans for foreign tourists.
- National Art Museum: 4,000 Tomans for domestic tourists and 50,000 tomans for foreign tourists.
- Green Museum Palace: 5,000 Tomans for domestic tourists and 100,000 tomans for foreign tourists.
- Museum of Royal Dishes: 4,000 Tomans for domestic tourists and 50,000 tomans for foreign tourists.
- Master Farshchian Museum: 4,000 Tomans for domestic tourists and 50,000 tomans for foreign tourists.
- Royal Clothing Museum: 4,000 Tomans for domestic tourists and 50,000 tomans for foreign tourists.
- Museum of Fine Arts: 4,000 Tomans for domestic tourists and 50,000 tomans for foreign tourists.
- Military Museum: 4,000 Tomans for domestic tourists and 50,000 tomans for foreign tourists.
- Royal Kitchen Museum: 4,000 Tomans for domestic tourists and 50,000 tomans for foreign tourists.
- Royal Cars Museum: 4,000 Tomans for domestic tourists and 50,000 tomans for foreign tourists.
- Court Weapons Museum: 4,000 Tomans for domestic tourists and 50,000 tomans for foreign tourists.
- Mirdamad Calligraphy Museum: 4,000 Tomans for domestic tourists and 50,000 tomans for foreign tourists.
- The Omidvar Brothers Museum: 4,000 Tomans for domestic tourists and 50,000 tomans for foreign tourists.
- Ostad Behzad Museum: 4,000 Tomans for domestic tourists and 50,000 tomans for foreign tourists.
- Water Museum: 4,000 Tomans for domestic tourists and 50,000 tomans for foreign tourists.
- Sa’dabad Museum of Royal Albums and Historical Documents: 4,000 Tomans for domestic tourists and 50,000 tomans for foreign tourists.
Online purchase of Saad Abad Palace tickets
For the convenience of visitors, Sa’dabad Complex offers online ticket purchases via their website at www.sadmu.ir. Additionally, tickets can be purchased through the complex’s on-site box office using a bank card. To confirm the Sa’dabad Palace complex’s status and operating hours, please call the provided phone numbers before planning your visit.
The Sa’dabad Historical Complex spans nearly 300 hectares, with approximately 110 hectares dedicated to mansions and palaces and around 180 hectares comprising gardens, aqueducts, and greenhouses. The architectural design of the Sa’dabad complex seamlessly blends European and traditional Iranian styles, thanks to the contributions of prominent domestic and foreign engineers.
Architectural Marvels of Sa’dabad Complex
The Sa’dabad complex, steeped in historical significance, boasts an array of architectural marvels. These iconic structures reveal a blend of artistic vision and skilled craftsmanship. Here, we delve into some of the most notable buildings within the complex.
The White Palace: A Stunning Abode
Engineered by Khorsandi and Boris (A Russian engineer), the White Palace, characterized by its Roman architectural influence, exudes elegance. Its interior, adorned with meticulous plastering and decoration by Iranian artists like, Gholamreza Pahlavan, Abdul Karim Sheikhan, Hossein Kashi, Ostad Lorzadeh, and Reza Malakeh, reflects opulence.
Architectural Marvels of Sa’dabad Palace Complex
Reza Khan’s Iconic Boots Statue
In front of the White Palace stands a remarkable statue of Reza Khan’s boots. Originally situated in Dezful, this statue was damaged during the revolution. Another notable sculpture, “Arash Kamangir” by Master Arzhang, graces the Sa’dabad Garden and White Palace vicinity.
The Magnificent Sabz Palace
The magnificent Sabz Palace in Sa’adabad Palace Complex
The Sabz Palace, also known as the Green Palace, showcases the architectural prowess of Mirza Jafar Kashi (Memar Bashi). It took seven years to complete, utilizing green stones from the Khamse Zanjan mine and Khorasan marble for its facade. This palace is also referred to as the Marble Palace.
Opulence within the Green Palace
The Green Palace’s interior boasts delicate mirrors, intricate tiling, and exquisite plasterwork. Master Hossein Behzad gilded its walls, while inlay work was completed by students of Master Sani Khatam. Reza Pahlavi’s bedroom, offering a view of Darband, is a standout feature.
Shams Palace: A Blend of Styles
Shams Palace
Shams Palace, located in the northwest of Sa’dabad, reflects a fusion of European and traditional Iranian architecture. It was constructed between 1314 and 1318 and covers 2,600 square meters. With European and Sassanid influences, this palace is an architectural gem.
Ashraf Pahlavi Palace: A Marble-Clad Beauty
Built on orders from Reza Shah and later adorned with marble, Ashraf Pahlavi Palace spans 1,800 square meters. It now houses a museum dedicated to royal dishes, showcasing exquisite pottery and crystal.
Sa’dabad Palace Complex Entrance
Immerse in Pahlavi History
Photographs and portraits of the Pahlavi family grace the walls of various Sa’dabad complex palaces. Notable pieces include a famous painting by Reza Khan, located in the Green Museum Palace.
Sa’dabad’s Transformation
Following the Islamic Revolution, Sa’dabad’s palaces underwent significant changes, with many converted into museums. The complex comprises 18 main buildings, some housing multiple museums or serving administrative purposes.
Sa’dabad’s palaces underwent significant changes, with many converted into museums.
Conclusion
Stay tuned for the second part of our captivating exploration of the Saadabad Palace in Tehran. In the upcoming blog post, we will delve deeper into the rich history and architectural marvels of this magnificent royal complex, uncovering hidden gems and fascinating stories that make Saadabad Palace a true jewel of Iranian heritage. Don’t miss out on this exciting continuation of our journey through this iconic landmark!
