Step through the arched entrance of Sa’d al-Saltaneh Caravanserai, and you’re instantly transported into a world where merchants, travelers, and storytellers once crossed paths. Built in the late 19th century during the Qajar era by Mohammad Baqer Khan Sa’d al-Saltaneh, this massive caravanserai was designed to be a hub for trade and commerce—especially with merchants from Russia and Turkey. With its grand courtyards, vaulted halls, and intricate brickwork, it’s one of the best-preserved urban caravanserais in Iran—and the largest covered one in the world. The architecture is stunning: domed ceilings, symmetrical iwans, and long corridors lined with rooms that once hosted weary travelers and bustling traders.
Today, the caravanserai has found a new rhythm. It’s been beautifully restored and transformed into a vibrant cultural space filled with artisan shops, cafés, galleries, and workshops. As you wander through the Chahar Souq (the central domed bazaar), you’ll find everything from handmade crafts and textiles to traditional sweets and antiques. Locals come here to relax, sip tea, and browse, while visitors soak in the atmosphere and admire the blend of history and creativity. Whether you’re here to shop, explore, or just take a quiet stroll through its echoing halls, Sa’d al-Saltaneh is one of those places that makes you feel connected to the past—while still being very much alive in the present.
Today, the caravanserai has found a new rhythm. It’s been beautifully restored and transformed into a vibrant cultural space filled with artisan shops, cafés, galleries, and workshops. As you wander through the Chahar Souq (the central domed bazaar), you’ll find everything from handmade crafts and textiles to traditional sweets and antiques. Locals come here to relax, sip tea, and browse, while visitors soak in the atmosphere and admire the blend of history and creativity. Whether you’re here to shop, explore, or just take a quiet stroll through its echoing halls, Sa’d al-Saltaneh is one of those places that makes you feel connected to the past—while still being very much alive in the present.
Visitor Information
- Opening Hours:
- Monday: 09:00 – 21:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 – 21:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 – 21:00
- Saturday: 09:00 – 21:00
- Sunday: 09:00 – 21:00
- Entrance: For free
- Region: Qazvin Province
- City: Qazvin
- Address: Qazvin Bazaar, Peygambariyeh St., Imam Khomeini St., Saad-ol-Saltaneh Palace
- Phone number: +982833245092
- Is open to public visitors: Yes
