Darul Aman Palace, Neoclassical palace in Kabul, Afghanistan
Darul Aman Palace is a neoclassical building in Kabul, standing on a hilltop southwest of the city center. The facade shows large columns and rows of symmetrical windows, while the interior holds spiral staircases and wide rooms spread across three floors.
The king commissioned the construction in the 1920s as part of a plan to create a new capital outside old Kabul. The building survived decades of war and was rebuilt after heavy damage during conflicts in the late twentieth century.
The name translates to "House of Peace", reflecting the ruler's hopes for stability during a period of rapid reform. Visitors today can walk through rooms that once served as the seat of government and see how Western design principles shaped official Afghan architecture in the early twentieth century.
The palace sits outside the center and is best reached by car or taxi. Visitors should check local information about opening and safety conditions before going, as circumstances change often.
Two French firms and one German company worked on the design, combining European styles with local craftsmanship. The interior now shows carefully restored ceilings and floors that reproduce the original color scheme and materials.
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