Old Platanus Tree of Tehran

Description

Let me tell ya about one of Tehran’s most remarkable living monuments – the Old Platanus Tree. I was absolutely stunned when I first laid eyes on this majestic giant, which has been standing proud for over 1,200 years! Located in the heart of District 12, this ancient plane tree has watched Tehran grow from a small village into the bustling metropolis it is today.

Standing at an impressive height of about 25 meters, with a trunk circumference of nearly 4.5 meters, this tree isn’t just big – it’s ginormous! But what really gets me excited is thinking about all the history this living giant has witnessed. Just imagine: this tree was already centuries old when Marco Polo was traveling through Persia!

Key Features

• Age: Over 1,200 years old, making it one of the oldest living organisms in Tehran
• Height: Approximately 25 meters tall
• Trunk Circumference: About 4.5 meters around
• Historical Significance: Protected as a natural heritage site
• Cultural Value: Considered sacred by many locals
• Botanical Interest: Rare example of ancient Platanus orientalis species
• Seasonal Changes: Beautiful color transformations throughout the year

Best Time to Visit

From my experience, spring and fall offer the most spectacular views of this ancient guardian. During spring (March to May), you’ll catch the tree bursting with fresh green leaves, while autumn (September to November) transforms it into a gorgeous display of golden and amber hues.

Summer can be pretty intense in Tehran, but the tree provides excellent shade – perfect for escaping those scorching July afternoons. Winter has its own charm too, when you can really appreciate the impressive structure of its bare branches against the crisp sky.

How to Get There

The Old Platanus Tree is pretty easy to reach using Tehran’s public transportation system. I’d recommend taking the metro to the nearest station and walking the remaining distance. Taxis are readily available too, and any local driver will know this famous landmark. Just make sure to have the name written in Persian (چنار کهنسال) to show your driver.

The tree is surrounded by a small plaza, making it easy to spot once you’re in the neighborhood. And honestly? Getting a bit lost in the surrounding streets can be half the fun – you’ll discover some amazing local shops and cafes along the way.

Tips for Visiting

Lemme share some practical advice based on my visits. First off, bring your camera! The lighting around mid-morning or late afternoon creates the best conditions for photography. Trust me on this one – I spent hours trying to capture the perfect shot.

Respect is super important here. The tree is considered sacred by many locals, so keep your voice down and don’t climb or carve into the trunk (yeah, some folks actually try that!). There’s usually a guard nearby who can share interesting facts about the tree’s history – though you might need a Persian speaker to translate.

I’d suggest combining your visit with exploring the surrounding historical neighborhood. There are some fantastic traditional restaurants nearby where you can grab authentic Persian cuisine. And don’t forget to carry water, especially during summer months – Tehran’s heat can be pretty intense!

The best part? There’s no entrance fee, but I recommend visiting during daylight hours when the area is more lively and you can really appreciate this natural wonder in all its glory. Oh, and weekday mornings tend to be less crowded than weekends – just a little insider tip from someone who’s been there multiple times!

The Old Platanus Tree isn’t just another tourist stop – it’s a living piece of history that connects us to centuries past. Every time I visit, I can’t help but wonder about all the stories this ancient giant could tell if it could speak. It’s definitely worth adding to your Tehran itinerary!

Location

Places to Stay Near Old Platanus Tree of Tehran

Find Tours in Tehran

Explore More Travel Guides