Sa'd Al-Saltaneh: One of Iran’s Biggest Roofed Caravanserais

Caravanserai of Sa’d al-Saltaneh was a prosperous place for the years not too long ago. Fortunately, its fate was not the same as the other caravanserais of Iran. Nowadays, the building is the host of many local people and visitors. In the caravanserai life still goes on.

Caravanserai of Sa’d al-Saltaneh is one of the picturesque monuments of Qazvin. A historical building belongs to the reign of Qajar dynasty. It is located in the central district of Qazvin. It was built by the command of Sa’d-Al-Saltaneh during the reign of Naser-Al-Din Shah Qajar. It also is near other famous monuments of Qazvin, old bazar and Chehelsotun mansion.

Caravanserai of Sa’d al-Saltaneh is the biggest in-town caravanserai of Iran. There is a vicissitudinous history behind the building. It was one of the main centers of the trade before World War I, but in the postwar era, this significance started to fade.

After many years and many restoration missions, the building is now one of the most significant stations of tourism. Most of the stores in Caravanserai of Sa’d al-Saltaneh nowadays are handicrafts and souvenir shops. There is also some cafés and restaurants there.

The building comprises various sections; some Rasteh (series of shops), Chaharsuq, mosque, bath, Timcheh, courtyard and camel stalls. One of the precious architectural sections of Caravanserai of Sa’d al-Saltaneh is Chaharsuq; Charsuq is a wide space in the joint of two or more than two Rastehs,. On top of the Chaharsuq there is a huge dome with colorful tiles.

The other attractive section of the building is The Myths and Shahnameh Museum. There are some clay statues of Reza Azi Mohammadi which are inspired by Shahnameh tales and Persian Mythology.  Caravanserai of Sa’d al-Saltaneh has been registered as national heritage site.

Source: Visitiran.ir