Khorshid Palace

Khorshid Palace, also known as the Khorshid Mansion, Kalat Palace and Nader Palace, is one of the most valuable historical monuments of the Afsharid era and one of the most notable tourist attractions of Razavi Khorasan Province. It stands in the center of the city of Kalat. This magnificent building was constructed on the orders of Nader Shah Afshar starting in 1151 AH (lunar Hijri), and construction continued until the final years of Nader Shah's life, but it was never completed after his death. There are various views about the building's original purpose: some consider it a royal residence, some a treasury for keeping the spoils and jewels from the conquest of India, and others a mausoleum intended for Nader Shah. Khorshid Palace sits within a Persian garden and, thanks to its unique architecture, its stone reliefs inspired by Indian art and the distinctive design of its cylindrical tower, it is regarded as one of the most remarkable historical buildings in Iran. This valuable monument was registered on Iran's National Heritage List in 1318 (Solar Hijri) and today is considered one of the most important historical destinations in Kalat County.

The architecture of Khorshid Palace is a striking blend of Iranian and Indian art, which is especially evident in the stone carvings of the exterior facade, the relief carvings of tropical fruits, flowers and birds, and the interior decorations. The main building was designed with three floors; today, because the third floor has been destroyed, its height reaches more than 20 meters. The ground floor, with its octagonal plan, central hall, 12 rooms decorated with stucco and paintings, and the cylindrical tower in the middle, forms the most important parts of the complex. A beautiful inscription of Surah An-Naba in the interior, a historic cellar, an anthropology museum, a display of the customs and traditions of the people of Kalat, and a stall of handicrafts and historical books are among the other features that make a visit to this complex even more appealing to those interested in Iranian history and culture. The garden surrounding the palace, with its pools, fountains, ancient trees and paved paths, also gives this historical complex a pleasant charm.

To reach Khorshid Palace, first take the Kalat road from Mashhad. After arriving in the city of Kalat, enter Imam Khomeini Street via Imam Reza (AS) Boulevard; the historical complex lies along this street and is very easy to reach. The best time to visit Khorshid Palace is spring and early autumn, when the weather in the region is mild and the garden and the surrounding nature look their most beautiful. A visit to this historical monument usually takes one to two hours, and in addition to the palace, tourists can visit the anthropology museum and other nearby historical attractions. During your visit, observing the principles of cultural heritage protection, refraining from touching the decorations, not damaging the historical parts, keeping the grounds clean and respecting the complex's regulations will play an important role in preserving this valuable heritage for future generations.