Sa'd al-Saltaneh Caravanserai, Historical caravanserai in Qazvin, Iran.
Sa'd al-Saltaneh Caravanserai is a large complex with seven sections connected by long vaulted passages. Throughout the building you will find traditional courtyards, shops run by craftspeople, and restaurants that preserve its historic trading character.
The complex was completed around 1895 during the Qajar period under the patronage of Sa'd al-Saltaneh and served as a central trading hub. After World War I, the building lost its role as an active commercial center but remained standing as a structure.
The museum inside displays clay sculptures depicting stories from Persian mythology and literature created by local artists. These works tell of ancient heroes and legendary events that have held meaning for the region across generations.
Access to the complex is mainly through entrance gates along Imam Khomeini Street in Qazvin. You can walk freely between the different sections, with cafes and shops scattered throughout the day.
This caravanserai is considered one of the world's largest covered caravanserais and shows impressive building methods designed specifically for large-scale trading activities. The interior layout with its vaulted halls and multiple levels demonstrates the sophisticated logistics of medieval trade networks.
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