Golestan Palace, Royal palace and museum in Tehran, Iran.
Golestan Palace is a complex of seventeen buildings in Tehran, including reception halls, exhibition rooms, and garden courtyards with elaborate mirror decorations and traditional Persian architecture. The different pavilions surround several inner courtyards with pools and rose beds.
The complex was built in the 16th century as part of the royal citadel. During the Qajar dynasty, the buildings were extensively renovated and served as the official residence until 1925.
The name means "Palace of the Rose Garden" and refers to the planted courtyards that connect the different buildings. Visitors today see a mix of Persian tilework and European chandeliers, reflecting the diplomatic exchanges of the 19th century.
Access is through several entrances, with some buildings open only on guided visits. The paths between pavilions are level and lead through the inner courtyards.
The Brilliant Hall features thousands of small mirrors and prisms installed by Iranian craftsmen under Nasser ed Din Shah. The arrangement creates a play of light that multiplies across the entire room when sunlight enters.
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