Tehran Travel Guide

Tehran, this metropolis with the demographic development unparalleled in the Middle East (540 000 inhabitants in 1939, 12 million in 2006) presents a rough face similar to that Europeans know.

Its typical Eastern aspects are found in the alleys of the old town (sixteenth century). It became the Iranian capital in 1783. Located at 1300 meters, on the foothills of the Alborz, it is filled with hundreds of public gardens. Compared to Shiraz and Isfahan, Tehran is low in religious architecture, if to mention, the Imam Khomeini Mosque, the Pamenar Minaret (thirteenth century) and the Armenian Cathedral (1960 - Teheran counts about ten churches and several synagogues). The most emblematic of the capital is the place Azadi (liberty) at the city entrance, with its colossal door. Tehran also has several notable museums (glass and ceramics, Islamic arts, history and archeology, contemporary art...)

The National Museum of Iran, The gigantic Mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini, Milad Tower, Golestan Palace, Niavaran Palace and Tehran's massive bazaar are worth visiting.