Saadabad Palace Complex

Development of the Saadabad Palace Complex (also known as the Sa'dabad Complex) began in the 19th century by the Qajar Dynasty, who made it their summer retreat. But it was under the Pahlavi Dynasty that it was expanded from the 1920s into the sprawling estate that you'll find today. Covering 300 hectares, there are gardens, palaces, and museums that shine wth the opulence of its royal residents.

The Saadabad Palace Complex - and its numerous attractions - is an excellent place to explore the history, mythology, and culture of Iran. A good place to start is the Shahvand Palace, more often known as the Green Palace, which gets its name from the rare pearl green stones that cover the outside of the building. One of its highlights is the mirror wall lined with intricate hand-woven Persian carpets.

Also, make sure to visit the White Palace, which was built in the 1930s and has 54 rooms. It's decorated with extravagant furnishings and paintings, with what's said to be one of the largest carpets ever woven in Iran (143 square metres).

Once you've seen the magnificent palaces, you can move on to the museums. One of the highlights is the Royal Costume Museum, which was previously the summer residence for members of the Pahlavi dynasty before it was converted to display the lavish wardrobe of the Iranian royal family.

Other museums in the complex include the Royal Kitchen Museum, the Military Museum, and the Water Museum. The lush gardens surrounding the complex are also a fantastic place to relax in the sun between palace and museum visits.