If you are planning a trip to Iran, probably your itinerary will start in Teheran, the capital city of this large and fascinating country with a long and ancient history. A metropolis of deep contrasts, situated in the north on the foothills of Elburz mountains, Teheran is 1,100 meters above sea level: its center is Imam Khomeini Square, with working class neighbourhoods developing all around and some richer residential districts in the north.
Weather in Teheran
The climate in Teheran is influenced by its position, between mountains and desert. Thus temperatures are pleasant in spring, hot and dry in the summer, mild in autumn and cold in the winter. Summer is not very rainy, even if the evening and nights are cool.
The period with most rainfalls is comprised between the end of autumn and mid spring.
Sightseeing in Teheran: what to see
Before becoming a capital, Teheran was nothing more than a little village, which has been growing considerably over the last few decades incorporating nearby territories and becoming a huge metropolis.
How can one avoid to get lost in such a big city which is obviously full of attractions? Here is a list of what you shouldn't absolutely miss.
Imam Khomeini Mausoleum
This building in grey cement, sormounted by a dome, hosts the remains of Ayatollah Khomeini, about ten kilometers from Teheran. The Ayatollah's urn is protected by an enclosure where Iranian people can lay their heads to pray.
Iran Carpets Museum
The carpets museum is located beside Lateh Park. It was established in 1976 and exhibits a collection of Persian carpets from all over the country, from the sixteenth century up to now.
Golestan Palace
Golestan Palace was the residence of the Qajar royal dynasty and is the oldest building in the city, located in the walled citadel known as Arg. The palace is surely one of the major attractions in Teheran and offers an insight on the prosperity of the Iranian ninetheenth century, a period with great Western influence as can be noticed in the decorative patterns of the palace.
Tehran bazaar
The grand bazaar of Teheran is the historic bazaar of the city, It covers an area of 10 kilometers in length, divided into different sectors, each specializing in different goods. It also hosts mosques and banks.
National Museum of Iran
The National Museum of Iran is made up of two sections, the Museum of ancient Iran and the Museum of the (post) Islamic era. It also includes several reasearch centers. Here you can admire objects coming from the ancient city of Persepolis, situated a short distance from the city of Shiraz.
National Museum of Jewels
The museum of jewels is located inside the Central Bank of Teheran. It is a must-see attraction during a tour of the city since it hosts one of the most important collections in the world. Most of the jewels dates back to the Safavid era, plundered by the Ahfgans during their invasion in 1719 and then brought back into the country by Shah Nadir Afshar along with the spoils of war.
Sa'dabad Museum Complex
Sa'dabad Museum Complex is situated in Shemiran quarter and covers an area of 300 hectares. The complex has eight entrances and hosts twenty palaces, each one dedicated to a precise aim and used by different members of the Pahlavi royal court. It also includes the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Royal Weapons.
Azadi Tower
Azadi Tower, meaning "Tower of Freedom", is one of the symbols of the city of Teheran and marks its entrance. It was designed in 1971 by architect Hossein Amanat for the 2500th anniversary of the foundation of the Achaemenid empire. The tower is in white marble from the region of Isfahan.
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