Close-ups of Persian Architecture: Golestan, and Ali Qapu palaces in pictures

Alexander Popkov·
ArchitecturePhoto storyTravel photographyIranTehran20 pictures of a destinationIsfahanTravel
·

For a European eye like mine, Persian architecture looked otherworldly. It is fascinating, despite so many small details, it looks minimalistically simple. In this short post, I have gathered my favorite elements of Glestan and Ali Qapu palaces. The gallery is in high resolution and images are shown full-screen.

We will take a look at mosaics in Golestan palace

… and get to see what’s inside Ali Qapu palace

Here I try to show the architecture the way I see it. I am by no means an expert in Persian Architecture, and I won’t go in-depth about the palaces. Some outstanding resources made it already. As usual, I am trying to create value by providing you high-quality images.

Golestan Palace

Golestan Palace is one of the oldest historic monuments in Tehran. It is a large-scale complex that encloses palaces, gardens, and museums. Most of the Golestan Palace was built in 1524-1576, later there was a major renovation in 1750-1779.

Look at this facade

What I really loved is that, despite the vibrant colors, mosaics look ingeniously simple. I think, comparing them to the paintings in European palaces is like comparing photographs to illustrations. A photograph is closer to real life, but an illustration is simpler, and therefore faster to deliver the message.

There are quite simple patterns, but it makes it so pretty

In Persian architecture, they extensively use arches. You can see a lot of those in the inner of Golestan Palace. Each encloses a unique picture.

Just an endless labyrinth of arches and mosaics

Some arches frame more complex pictures. Those 5 were my favorites. I cannot help myself, want to put them in full resolution. 

Inside, the palace is luxuriously beautiful. I have never seen a room made of mirrors for instance. But the smart simplicity is gone. It still looks impressive though…

I have never seen that many mirrors

Ali Qapu palace

An Imperial Palace in Isfahan, Ali Qapu means the Imperial gate. It was built in several phases, the foundation was in 1595, and the main construction took place in the first half of the seventeenth century. It has four floors and 52 rooms (most of them were closed on renovation though when I visited)

My favorite parts were the stairs and ceilings, especially the crowning music room.

If, you go there, just look up!

Celling at the famous Music Room looks otherworldly

These are called Muqarnas and used pretty often in Persian Architecture

Stairs. And pay attention to the wall paintings. They can easily go unnoticed, but I think, they add a lot to the atmosphere.

A corner

And that’s what under your feet

Stairs in Ali Qapu palace, Isfahan, Iran

Other major elements of Persian architecture are Domes (right) and Iwans (left), but because of their size, it is hard to see the details of the paintings.

Further reading

If you need more information about these palaces – check out these posts: Golestan Palace, Ali Qapu Palace.

For more places like this – check this list of best places to visit in Iran.

I think that Iranians are the most welcoming people on earth. I tell more in my post about Iranian Hospitality.

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