Chehel Sotoun Palace of Qazvin

Chehel Sotoun Palace in Qazvin, also known as the Kolah-Farangi Mansion, stands in the centre of Qazvin, in Azadi Square (Sabzeh Meydan). This building is the only surviving pavilion of the Safavid royal palace complex. It was built on the orders of Shah Tahmasp I of the Safavid dynasty, at a time when Qazvin was the capital of Iran. Construction of the palace began in 951 AH (lunar Hijri), and it is regarded as a symbol of the splendour and grandeur of the Safavid era.

Chehel Sotoun Palace is an octagonal, two-storey building covering an area of about 500 square metres. It has four iwans facing the four cardinal directions, overlooking the surrounding garden. The interior decoration includes wall paintings, latticed windows with stained glass, and marble basins, all of which give the building a distinctive charm. Today, the second floor of the palace is home to the Qazvin Calligraphy Museum, which displays valuable works by calligraphy artists.

To reach Chehel Sotoun Palace, you can walk from Azadi Square (Sabzeh Meydan) to the entrance of the complex in just a few minutes. Visiting hours are usually from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and during the Nowruz holidays it stays open until 8:30 p.m. The best time to visit is spring and autumn, when the pleasant weather makes the beautiful surrounding garden even more enjoyable. To help protect this valuable heritage, please avoid touching the decorations, entering restricted areas, or any behaviour that could cause damage, and enjoy its beauty with respect and responsibility.