Rasht Shahrdari Square | Photos of the Shahrdari Square
The Shahrdari Square of Rasht is located in Gilan Province, right in the city center. You can reach the square through Imam Street, Sabzeh Meydan Street, and Alemolhoda Street upon entering the city. At night, the Shahrdari Square has a completely different atmosphere. Situated in the heart of Rasht, it becomes especially stunning after dark with the dazzling illumination of its buildings. Visiting and photographing the square, along with spending time in the cafés and restaurants nearby, makes it one of the best spots to enjoy Rasht’s charming nights.
Attractions around the Shahrdari Square include the Shahrdari Building, the Clock Tower, Rasht National Library, Iran Hotel Rasht, Rasht Post Office, Rasht Traditional Bazaar, and Sabzeh Meydan. Visiting hours depend on your preference, since the square is open to the public day and night. Most of the surrounding establishments also stay open until late at night. However, if you want to explore the historical landmarks—such as the Shahrdari Building or the Clock Tower—you should visit during office hours.
Where is Rasht Shahrdari Square?
The square is located in the center of the city and can be accessed from Shariati, Saadi, Alemolhoda, and Imam streets. As one of Rasht’s most famous and popular attractions, it is almost right at the heart of the city. The area around the square is paved for several hundred meters, making it an inviting space to walk, relax, and explore from any of the four surrounding streets.
History of Rasht Shahrdari Square
Old Rasht Shahrdari Square
Rasht has earned many nicknames: the ever-awake city, the city of rain, the city of intellectuals, and the city of firsts. The last nickname comes from the fact that many “firsts” in Iran were established here, including the first national library and the first Shahrdari building, both located within the Shahrdari Square complex.
The Rasht Shahrdari Square complex was built in 1925 (1304 in the Iranian calendar) by order of Reza Shah. The construction took 16 years to complete, and additional buildings such as the library, post office, Iran Hotel, and the Shahrdari palace were gradually added to the complex.
Attractions of Rasht Shahrdari Square
As mentioned earlier, Rasht Shahrdari Square is not an ordinary square—it is a collection of buildings with diverse functions and architectural styles gathered in one place. Here are the main attractions of the square:
Shahrdari Palace – Rasht’s St. Petersburg-style Mansion
If you search for Rasht Shahrdari Square online, most results show a white building with a red sloped roof. This is the Shahrdari Palace, designed by an Armenian-German architect inspired by the architecture of St. Petersburg, Russia. The inauguration of this palace in 1926 (1305 Iranian calendar) was a major headline in Iranian newspapers.
The Shahrdari Palace is approaching its 100th anniversary and truly embodies the saying “great things come from humble beginnings.” Despite its age, it remains one of Rasht’s most famous landmarks. The palace stands 24 meters tall and, remarkably, still stands strong. In 1977 (1356 Iranian calendar), it was officially listed as a national heritage site of Iran.
The Shahrdari Square complex in Rasht was completed over 16 years. One of the first elements added to the complex and the Shahrdari Palace was the Clock Tower. Three years after the palace was built, Rasht’s Clock Tower was added. The tower’s bells ring 24 times a day, corresponding to the hours.
Iran Hotel – A Witness to Part of the City’s History
Construction of Iran Hotel, the second building added to the Shahrdari Square complex, began in 1929 (1308 Iranian calendar). Located on the northern side of the square, it opened six years later, in 1935 (1314 Iranian calendar). Iran Hotel was registered as a national heritage site in 2000 (1379 Iranian calendar). When visiting Rasht, imagine the stories this hotel could tell—the lively evenings filled with celebrations, guests arriving in carriages, and the sounds of dancing and music echoing as night fell.
Post Office – A Telegraph House with Qajar-style Architecture
The Post Office, the third building added to the Shahrdari Square complex in 1931 (1310 Iranian calendar), is one of the square’s most popular attractions. Its iconic yellow mailbox makes it a favorite photo spot for tourists. If you visit during holidays or weekends, you may need to wait a bit to take pictures without a crowd.
The Post Office is located on the northern side of the square and covers an area of 1,930 square meters. It has four floors, with the ground and first floors shaped like an “L.” The second floor extends over part of the east side, while the third floor features a “Kolah Farangi” style roof—a decorative architectural style originating from the Qajar era.
Rasht National Library – Iran’s First National Library
Heading west from the Shahrdari Square, you’ll reach the National Library of Rasht. Although construction began in 1927 (1306 Iranian calendar), budget constraints delayed its completion for seven years, and it officially opened in 1934 (1313 Iranian calendar).
The building’s architecture reflects Eastern European styles. Walking past the library in the square feels like stepping back in time—you can imagine strolling hand in hand on the cobblestones, entering the library, and leaving with a few new books. Today, this vision becomes a reality, as the library serves the public, welcoming around 1,500 visitors daily.
Statues in Rasht Shahrdari Square – Symbols of Culture and History
While walking around the square, you’ll notice various statues. The most famous is the statue of Mirza Kuchak Khan Jangali on horseback. Other statues represent local people, including a man on a bicycle, a woman in traditional Rashti attire, and a photographer—icons that reflect the city’s culture and history.
Photos of the Municipality Square in 2025
Best Time to Visit Rasht Shahrdari Square
All year is suitable for visiting Rasht Shahrdari Square and its surrounding buildings. However, for the best weather, spring and early autumn are ideal. During these seasons, the climate is neither too hot and humid nor too cold and uncomfortable. Keep in mind that spring and early autumn also attract more tourists to the square.
If you prefer to avoid crowds, you can visit during summer or winter, or choose dates outside major holidays like Nowruz or other long weekends.
Attractions Near Rasht Shahrdari Square
The Rasht Shahrdari Square complex is one of those places you never want to leave. Yet, every visit eventually comes to an end.
After exploring all the attractions within the Shahrdari Square, you can continue your journey by visiting nearby sights that are just a short distance away:
Rasht Local Bazaar – A Market Always Alive
The traditional Rasht Bazaar is located a short walk from the Shahrdari Square. One of the city’s most famous attractions, this bustling market is unlike any other. Like a tireless, hardworking person, it starts slowly with the sunrise and remains lively until around 10 PM. Here, you can find everything from everyday essentials to unique souvenirs—the perfect place to pick up gifts and keepsakes from Rasht. From the Shahrdari Square, head towards Imam Khomeini Street to reach the bazaar.
Sabzeh Meydan – Nostalgic and Charming
One of the streets leading to the Shahrdari Square is Alemolhoda Street. Recently paved and converted into a pedestrian walkway, it leads to Sabzeh Meydan. If you’re not too tired, a stroll along these cobblestones will take you to this historic and nostalgic neighborhood. Walking through Sabzeh Meydan, especially in pleasant weather or light rain, offers a relaxing and delightful experience.
Food Exploration Around Rasht Shahrdari Square
The Shahrdari Square is so captivating that time seems to fly while you’re there—until your stomach reminds you that it’s time to eat.
If you feel hungry, explore the local stalls and kiosks selling Fuman cookies, Rasht-style noodles with charcoal tea, kebabs, liver, and other local treats. This way, you satisfy your appetite while chatting with local vendors and experiencing the city’s culinary culture.
Visiting Hours for Rasht Shahrdari Square
There are no restrictions on visiting the Shahrdari Square—you can explore it any time of the day. However, the square truly comes alive after sunset. For this reason, don’t miss visiting Rasht Shahrdari Square at night to experience its unique charm.
