Negarestan Garden: Tehran’s Historic Oasis Getaway

Amidst the crowded streets and skyscrapers of Tehran, there exists a serene and old oasis that offers a vision of Iranian artistic and cultural richness. Negarestan Garden, a hidden oasis in the middle of the city, is a serene getaway that combines nature and architecture.

Once a royal retreat and a center for art and education, this historic garden is now a museum and cultural hub that attracts visitors seeking a peaceful escape and a deeper connection to Iran’s past. In this article, we’ll explore the history, highlights, and tips for visiting Negarestan Garden, your perfect historic oasis getaway in Tehran.

The History of Negarestan Garden

A Royal Retreat

Negarestan Garden, or Baghe Negarestan, was built in the early 19th century under the Qajar dynasty. It was one of the summer palaces of Fath-Ali Shah Qajar, the second of the Qajar kings. The garden was designed as a luxurious retreat with abundant greenery, streams of running water, and ornate pavilions. It quickly turned into a symbol of Qajar court wealth and art culture. 

A Center of Art and Education

Aside from serving as a royal palace, Negarestan Garden was also a driving force in Iran’s cultural and educational development. During the time of Nasser al-Din Shah Qajar, the garden was transformed into a complex of arts and education.

It had formerly housed the Dar ul-Funun, Iran’s very first modern polytechnic college, which had been established with a vision of science, technology, and art for everyone. The garden had also served as the meeting place of intellectuals, artists, and poets and a rich cultural center. 

Preservation and Restoration

Negarestan Garden has seen many changes throughout history, including partial destruction by the Pahlavi regime. However, over the last decades, individuals have attempted to restore and maintain this historic site. Today, it is a museum and cultural center where one can step back in time and get used to the glory of the Qajar period.

Finding Negarestan Garden

The Garden Design

Negarestan Garden is a typical Persian garden, with its symmetry, winding paths of water and dense cover of vegetation. The garden has been divided into several sections, each of which offers something different from the others:

1. The Central Pavilion

The pavilion is the garden’s focal point, a beautiful structure with intricate tile work, mirror mosaics, and ceiling paintings. The pavilion was used as a reception hall for royal visitors in its initial purpose and now houses a museum of Qajar objects.

2. The Water Features

Water is also a signature of Persian gardens, and Negarestan does not fail. The garden has a number of streams, pools, and fountains that are nice to sit beside and reflect the buildings around them.

3. The Art Galleries

The Negarestan Garden also has some art galleries with Qajar-era artwork on display, including paintings, calligraphy, and decorative arts. The galleries are a fine example of the work of the era.

4. Sculpture Garden

There are great monuments of old kings, poets, intellectuals, and leaders all over the garden. The monuments give a feeling of greatness and victory of Iran’s culture.

5. Tea House and Café

Take a refreshing break at the garden tea house and café where you can sit and enjoy traditional Persian sweets and tea in the serene environment.

Highlights of Negarestan Garden

1. Qajar-Era Architecture

The pavilions and buildings of the garden are Qajar masterpieces of exceptional beauty with intricate decoration, stained glass, and carved tiles. The craftsmanship and details are superb and cannot be admired enough by all who love architecture.

2. The Mirror Hall

One of the most breathtaking works in Negarestan Garden is Mirror Hall, a hall of end-to-end mirror mosaics. The mirrors create a glossy appearance, especially when sunlight is streaming in through the windows.

3. The Art Collections

The galleries within the garden house a treasure of Qajar-period paintings, royal portraits, mythological scenes, and landscapes. The paintings serve as testimony to the artistic tastes and cultural values of the time.

4. The Historical Significance

Negarestan Garden is not only a place of beauty but also of historical significance. As the location of Dar ul-Funun, it was a significant location in Iran’s modernization and educational advancement.

5. The Peaceful Setting

Negarestan Garden, situated in the middle of Tehran as it is, is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The combination of the greenery, water streams, and ancient buildings is the ideal atmosphere in the garden to sit back and meditate.

Tips for Visiting Negarestan Garden

1. Plan Your Visit

Negarestan Garden is open all year round, but the best months to visit it are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the garden is in full bloom. 

2. Dress Modestly

As with all Iranian cultural and historical sites, dress needs to be modest. Women need to cover their hair with a headscarf and loose-fitting clothes, and men shouldn’t wear tank tops or shorts. 

3. Bring a Camera

The garden is a paradise for photographers with its stunning architecture and nature. Don’t forget to bring your camera or phone to save the highlight of your trip.

4. Enjoy the Moment

Negarestan Garden is to be relished slowly, so walk through its sections at your own pace. Sit beside the water features, admire the work of art, and lose yourself in the silence.

5. Go to the Café

The garden café is a pleasant area to unwind and have traditional Persian tea and nibble on goodies. It’s a nice spot to sit and ponder your visit.

6. Combine with Other Attractions

Negarestan Garden is near other highly-ranked Tehran attractions such as the National Museum of Iran and the Golestan Palace. Attempt to combine a visit here with a visit to these attractions in order to get the most out of your city time. 

How to Visit Negarestan Garden

Location

Negarestan Garden is situated in city center, behind Baharestan Square. The address is Negarestan Garden, Baharestan Street, Tehran.

Transportation

Metro

Ride Metro Line 1 (Red Line) to Panzdah-e Khordad Station. It’s a very short walk from there.

Taxi

Taxi is the easy way to reach the garden. Just tell the driver to say “Baghe Negarestan.”

Private Transfer

For comfort and convenience, reserve a private transfer with OrientTrips, which can also offer guided tours of the garden and other nearby sites.

Why Visit Negarestan Garden?

A Cultural and Historical Experience

Negarestan Garden provides the rare chance to experience Iran’s rich cultural and historical heritage in person. The garden, with its breathtaking architecture and artwork, is a window into the decadence and ingenuity of the Qajar period.

 A Peaceful Escape

Amidst the city chaos of Tehran, the Negarestan Garden is a haven of peace where you can de-stress and refresh your senses. Its tranquility is just the place to sit back and seek refuge in nature.

A Photographer’s Paradise

The garden’s beautiful architecture, lush greenery, and reflective water features make it a paradise for photographers. Whether you’re capturing the intricate details of the pavilions or the overall ambiance of the garden, you’re sure to leave with stunning photos.

Conclusion

Negarestan Garden is more than just a historic site; it is a living testament to Iran’s artistic and cultural legacy. Be a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or a traveler seeking a peaceful retreat, this hidden gem of an oasis garden in Tehran is something you simply cannot afford to miss.

With this travel guide and the assistance of OrientTrips, you can make your visit to Negarestan Garden comfortable and trouble-free. Grab your camera bag, tie your hiking boots, and go in search of Tehran’s old oasis retreat. Your journey into Iran’s history starts!

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