Milad Tower, located in Tehran, stands tall as one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. As the sixth tallest telecommunication tower globally, it has become a symbol of Tehran’s modernity and progress. Offering a multitude of attractions and services, Milad Tower has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. In this article of Parsi Tours, a reliable travel agency in Tehran, we will explore the fascinating structure of Milad Tower, its various sections, and the recreational opportunities it provides.
A Brief History of Milad Tower
The idea to construct a telecommunications tower in Tehran was born in 1992 as a solution to the city’s infrastructural problems in wireless communication. Iranian engineers meticulously planned the project, and the foundation stone was laid in 1996, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Imam Khomeini. Originally named “Yademan Tower,” it was later renamed “Milad Tower” to commemorate the 100th birthday of Imam Khomeini.
Location and Structure
Milad Tower is situated on a hill in the Nasr neighborhood of Tehran, covering an area of approximately 75 hectares. It can be accessed from multiple directions, including Hemmat Highway, Hakim Highway, Chamran Highway, and Sheikh Fazlollah Highway. The tower itself consists of various sections, including the lower tower building, the main body, and the round part at the top.
The lower tower building encompasses a lobby and six commercial floors. The ground floor serves as the visitor reception area, while the two lower floors house the facilities of the Milad Tower complex. The main body of the tower features high-speed elevators, connecting the lower tower building to the round building at the top. The top building, also known as the head of the tower, consists of 12 floors and offers breathtaking views of Tehran. At the highest point of the tower, a 120-meter steel telecommunication mast is installed.
Height and Ranking
With a height of 435 meters, Milad Tower proudly holds the title of the sixth tallest telecommunication tower in the world. Its distinctive architecture and towering presence make it visible from all corners of the capital. That’s why this tower has become one of the most-visited Tehran attractions. The tower’s highest floor reaches a height of 312 meters, while the telecommunication mast accounts for the remaining height. Additionally, Milad Tower is the nineteenth tallest freestanding structure globally.
Attractions and Recreational Opportunities
Milad Tower offers a wide range of attractions and recreational opportunities for visitors. Let’s explore some of the key highlights:
Closed Observation Deck
Located on the third floor of the tower, the Closed Observation Deck provides an expansive view of Tehran’s cityscape. Spanning an area of approximately 880 square meters, this deck offers visitors a unique perspective of the bustling metropolis below.
Tehran Municipality’s Museum of Gifts and Manuscripts
Situated at an altitude of 261 meters on the third floor, the Tehran Municipality’s Museum of Gifts and Manuscripts showcases a collection of ancient Iranian manuscripts and gifts presented to Tehran Municipality over the years. Visitors can admire the historical artifacts, including old geographical globes dating back several centuries.
Coin Museum
On the fourth floor, the Coin Museum houses an impressive collection of 160 coins from the Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sassanian periods. These coins were generously donated by a private collector, providing visitors with a glimpse into the rich numismatic history of Iran.
Museum of Celebrities
The Museum of Celebrities, located on the fifth floor at an altitude of 271 meters, is a captivating section of Milad Tower. Life-size statues of renowned Iranian figures, such as Professor Majid Samii and Master Kamal-ol-Molk, are meticulously crafted and displayed here, showcasing the country’s cultural and artistic heritage.
Open Observation Deck
One of the most popular attractions at Milad Tower is the Open Observation Deck, situated at an altitude of 280 meters on the seventh floor. This spacious deck, spanning 3000 square meters, offers panoramic views of Tehran. Visitors can use the strategically placed cameras to observe different parts of the city.
Sky Dome
The Sky Dome, located on the twelfth floor, is a captivating architectural feature of Milad Tower. With its all-glass exterior and unique design, this 13-meter-high dome offers visitors an immersive experience. Symbolic paintings depicting elements of Persian history adorn the central column, creating a visually stunning display.
Starland Amusement Park and Bowling
For those seeking entertainment and fun, the Starland Amusement Park within the Milad Tower complex is the perfect destination. With a wide range of rides and games, including the Shark Train, Frisbee for Kids, and Madagascar Merry-go-round, visitors of all ages can enjoy thrilling experiences. The amusement park also features bowling alleys, billiards tables, and a variety of computer games.
Sky Park G Max
Thrill-seekers can indulge in adrenaline-pumping activities at Sky Park G Max. Bungee jumping enthusiasts can experience the highest jumping platform in the world, located at a breathtaking height of 280 meters. The swing, skywalking platform, and glass box offer unique and exhilarating experiences, all set against the stunning backdrop of Tehran.
Bungee Jumping
The Milad Tower bungee jumping, started in 2021, is the world’s highest jumping platform at 280 meters. To jump from such a height, you need to be healthy, especially in terms of heart and nerves, and free from conditions like back disc problems, ankle implants, and high blood pressure.
Sky Flying
Experience the sensation of floating in the sky at 280 meters. You’ll initially hang and then move about 40 meters downwards, eventually returning to the original height.
Swing
The swing, located at a height of 282 meters, is considered the world’s highest and requires bravery.
Skywalking Platform
Experience walking at a height of 280 meters on a 32-meter long platform, part of the Sky Dome. Despite all the safety equipment provided, there are no walls or barriers between you and the open air.
Glass Box
Test your courage in a glass box, allowing you to easily see beneath your feet. This activity is more affordable than other new attractions at the tower.
Squash Club
Sports enthusiasts can engage in friendly competition at the Milad Tower Squash Club. Covering an impressive area of 1,800 square meters, this facility is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, making it the largest and best-equipped squash and paddle facility in the country.
Land of Iranian Legends
Opened in 2022, the Land of Iranian Legends theme park immerses visitors in the fascinating world of Persian mythology. Through the use of light, sound, wax artworks, and video mapping panorama technology, the park brings to life stories and legends from the Persian epic Shahnameh. With captivating exhibits and interactive displays, this section of tower offers a truly enchanting experience.
Dining and Culinary Delights
Milad Tower boasts a variety of dining options, catering to different tastes and preferences. Some notable restaurants within the tower complex include the Revolving Restaurant, Vienna Tria Café, Ivan Traditional Restaurant, and Khorakdeh Restaurant. The Revolving Restaurant, located on the sixth floor of the top building, offers a panoramic view of Tehran while serving a wide array of cuisines. Vienna Tria Café, situated on the fourth floor, boasts the title of the world’s highest Tria café and provides a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee. The Ivan Traditional Restaurant, nestled in the western part of the complex, offers authentic Iranian dishes and a stunning view of Tehran. Khorakdeh Restaurant, located on the fourth floor of the lower building, serves both traditional Iranian dishes and international cuisines.
Cultural and Entertainment Facilities
Milad Tower is not only a telecommunications and recreational hub but also a center for cultural and entertainment events. The Milad Tower Concert Hall, named Hafez Hall, hosts music concerts and other cultural performances. With a capacity of 1,600 people, the hall is equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems and offers an unforgettable experience for both performers and audiences. The Milad Tower Conference Center, encompassing various halls such as Rudaki Hall, Kamal-ol-Molk Hall, and Saadi Hall, provides an ideal venue for seminars, conferences, exhibitions, and workshops.
Visiting Milad Tower
To visit the Milad Tower complex, a ticket is required for access to the upper floors. The ticket packages include general visits to the top floors, access to specific attractions, and discounts for certain activities. Tickets can be purchased online or at the lower building’s ticket booth. Visitors should be aware of the specific visiting hours and adhere to the rules and regulations set by the management. The complex also offers ample parking space for visitors’ convenience.
Owner of Milad Tower Tehran
The Tehran Municipality owns Milad Tower. None of the administrative and commercial parts of Milad Tower are for sale, and they can only be rented through contract registration. In essence, Milad Tower Tehran is part of Tehran’s public property, and no private ownership exists over any of its departments or different parts.
Milad Tower at Night
If you have seen the Milad Tower at night while passing through the capital, you’ve surely noticed its beautiful lighting. The structure of Milad Tower is illuminated at night and visible from long distances.
The surrounding area of the Milad Tower complex is also very beautiful at night. The entire area of the Milad Tower at night, with beautiful fountains and illuminated flower beds, has a special charm. If you haven’t experienced walking around the Milad Tower complex at night, we recommend you visit and enjoy a walk around this magnificent complex at night.
On special occasions and happy events, the Milad Tower is colorfully illuminated using laser technology, a common practice worldwide on tall and famous buildings. In Tehran, the Milad Tower structure is bathed in light and beauty on these occasions.
Facts about Milad Tower
- The construction of a telecommunication tower and a memorial complex is part of a much larger plan called Shahrestan Pahlavi, designed before the Islamic Revolution of Iran.
- After 11 years of construction, the Milad Tower was inaugurated with the slogan “The Sky is Near.”
- Milad Tower is located between a hill of approximately 62 hectares, south of Shahrak-e Gharb, and north of Gisha (Kouye Nasr) in Tehran Municipality’s District 2. This location was chosen after studying 21 points and selecting 17 different points in Tehran by a group including urban planning, television studies, telecommunications, road and building, economic, architectural, meteorological, traffic studies, and geotechnical teams.
- Milad Tower consists of five main parts: the foundation, the building at the base of the tower (lobby), the main body of the tower, the top structure, and the mast. The top building is one of the largest in the world among telecommunication towers.
- Milad Tower is the twentieth tallest freestanding structure in the world.
- Milad Towwer was built to meet Tehran’s telecommunications and television needs, consists of four main parts: the telecommunication-television tower, the international conference center, a five-star international hotel, and a global trade center.
- The tower is a concrete structure with the main tower base made of reinforced concrete. It stands 315 meters above natural ground with a cellular cross-section, using approximately 33,000 cubic meters of concrete.
- The body of the tower includes a central core and four fins, with three compartments inside the core dedicated to elevators and one to the emergency staircase. Six glass elevators on three sides of the tower, each with a capacity of 25 people, transport visitors to the top of the tower at an average speed of seven meters per second.
- The monthly maintenance cost of Milad Tower is between 16000$ to 20000$.
- The inauguration of the revolving restaurant at Milad Tower, which is considered the world’s largest, was not without controversy. One of the controversies was serving gold ice cream, which led to the Tehran mayor’s intervention with the restaurant contractor and an order to stop serving this expensive ice cream.
